ARLINGTON, Va. – National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson issued the following statement in response to the Senate vote to confirm Arielle Roth to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
“We look forward to working with Arielle Roth and NTIA to bridge the digital divide as they implement critical rural broadband funding programs,” Matheson said. “Access to affordable, reliable broadband service is a necessity for every community — yet many in rural America remain disconnected. Electric co-ops across the country continue stepping up to connect rural communities to reliable broadband service.”
More than 200 rural electric cooperatives across the U.S. are working to bridge the digital divide and bring the transformative benefits of broadband to their communities. The NTIA is an important partner in amplifying these efforts through BEAD, the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program and other efforts to expand access to affordable broadband in rural areas.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives, including over 200 co-ops involved in bringing reliable broadband service to their communities. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric cooperatives in broadband play a crucial role in closing the digital divide by connecting rural America to affordable high-speed internet service. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric co-ops in broadband have meaningful ties to rural America and empower their communities with new ways to live, learn and earn.
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