RCA Applauds Genachowski’s Innovative Approach to Competitive Broadband Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      Contact: Lucy Tutwiler

May 6, 2010                                                                                                               (202) 449-9866

RCA Applauds Genachowski’s Innovative Approach to Competitive Broadband Services

Washington, DC – Today, the Rural Cellular Association (RCA) commended Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski’s innovative approach to ensure a competitive telecommunications marketplace in an IP world, as well as the FCC's willingness to work with the industry, ensuring the proposal is consistent with the authority provided to the agency under the Communications Act.

As wireless communications move to an all-IP platform, it is vital that the Commission have the appropriate authority to ensure a competitive broadband industry.  Access to broadband, enhancing competition and encouraging innovation in the broadband marketplace are critical policies that the FCC must preserve and foster to ensure that the public interest is served, especially for consumers in rural America.

In a statement regarding Genachowski’s proposal, RCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “We are encouraged by the Chairman’s intriguing proposal regarding the transmission of broadband services.  We look forward to working with the Commission in the days ahead and learning more about the proposal.”

Berry continued, “The FCC approach will have a direct and beneficial impact on the basic services that every consumer expects from their carrier of choice, such as placing a phone call, downloading data, sharing emails, texts, and videos, and accessing broadband services anywhere they go throughout the United States.”

About RCA

RCA is the nation's leading association for wireless providers serving rural areas of the United States. The licensed service area of RCA's nearly 80 members covers more than 80 percent of the nation.

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