Mike Conaway: “rural America needs broadband now more than ever. The information society is in full swing with an abundant amount of…”

“rural America needs broadband now more than ever. The information society is in full swing with an abundant amount of choices and access to the infinite sources of information, yet there are those who may not have the same access to information and will therefore be left out in the cold. As we move away from dial-up Internet to broadband via cable modem, DSL, satellite, and fiber-based networks, Congress should be enacting legislation that encourages broader network deployment. Without the proper economic incentives and regulatory environment, rural America will be left behind when the next generation networks are built. That is why we must pass the COPE Act tonight. Not only does COPE open competition in the video market, but it also includes the proper regulatory light touch and the right incentives to foster the deployment of advanced networks. More importantly, it creates incentives to build out these networks without the spending of government funds. It is time to pass this bill and get broadband deployment moving in the right direction, the direction of rural America.”