A teenager downloads a new release to her MP3 player. Another uses a cell phone to text-message his chemistry partner about an upcoming project. About to graduate high school, an honors student is already taking college courses-all from the comfort of home, and made possible by a high-speed Internet connection.
Traditional telephone service was once considered a fundamental utility for all Americans, but nowadays, advanced services like text-messaging and computer-based applications are fast becoming essential tools for communication, entertainment, commerce and much more.
Thanks to federal Universal Service policy-established by Congress over 70 years ago-all Americans receive the same quality, affordable telecommunications services, no matter where they live. This policy has been essential to building the nationwide communications network that helps keep all Americans connected to the world.
Support from the universal service fund (USF) enables community-based telecommunications providers to build and maintain the network infrastructure that delivers communications services to all consumers at affordable rates. USF will be even more important in the future, as these local communications providers strive to accommodate consumer demand for technologies that require greater bandwidth, by upgrading the infrastructure to a fully broadband-capable network.
These providers are preparing to bring-or have already delivered-access to advanced technologies that translate to economic development, education and health care opportunities. Extending the principles of universal service to support broadband-capable networks will ensure delivery of emerging technologies to Americans everywhere, and that all communities can connect to the rest of the world-and the limitless opportunity afforded by advanced communications technologies.
The Communications Act is under review in Congress, and changes to USF could have significant implications for rural residents and undermine the fundamental principles of universal access to communications services that have served as a foundation for our modern economy. Contact your congressional representatives and urge them to support efforts to strengthen our nation's commitment to universal service.
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For more information, visit www.AmericasCommunityBankers.com. It's a credit to technology that online banking has become so popular.
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