Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack today released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Commerce announced it will be taking action on the companion legislation to Loebsack’s Rural Wireless Access Act of 2017. On August 2nd, the Senate Committee on Commerce is scheduled to hold a markup on several pieces of legislation, including S. 1621, which would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish standards for collecting wireless coverage data. Having accurate data helps improve wireless voice and mobile Internet services in the areas that need it the most.
“In rural America, broadband is not a luxury, it is needed for survival. Communities cannot thrive if they are left behind as the rest of the country moves forward. But we can’t invest in wireless access without accurately understanding where the greatest need is. That is why I am pleased the Senate will be taking action on this important legislation to help get better voice and internet services in rural areas.”
A significant digital divide remains between urban and rural America. Congressman Loebsack is a leader in working to close this divide by promoting broadband deployment throughout rural America. Loebsack serves on the Communications and Technology subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over telecommunications issues. He also serves as a co-chair of the Rural Broadband Caucus.
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