Connect Americans Now Executive Director Richard T. Cullen released the following statement in response to a letter sent by 57 members of the Oregon State Legislature to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai in support of utilizing TV white space spectrum for broadband deployment:

“More than one in three rural Oregonians lacks access to a reliable broadband connection, and this demonstration of leadership from members of the state legislature on both sides of the aisle should send a clear message to policymakers in Washington: Rural America has waited long enough, and the time for action is now.

“Embracing a mixed technology model that includes TV white spaces presents an actionable solution to this problem that is pervasive across many rural communities. But this innovative technology will remain stuck on the sidelines until local providers and equipment manufacturers have the regulatory certainty that sufficient spectrum below 700 MHz is available for wireless, unlicensed use across the country.

“We hope leaders in Congress and the FCC will seriously consider the concerns raised in the letter and stand with the more than 70 Oregon-based member organizations of Connect Americans Now by taking immediate steps to clear the regulatory barriers standing in the way of TV white space deployment.”

About Connect Americans Now

Connect Americans Now is a group of concerned citizens, local organizations, rural advocates and leading innovators committed to eliminating the digital divide that is holding back rural America. Our goal is to bring rural Americans who currently lack connectivity safe and affordable broadband access by 2022 so they can take advantage of the economic and educational opportunities that exist in other communities.

Connect Americans Now Press Release

6/8/2018