FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 9, 2023
CONTACT: [email protected]
One Country Project Looks Ahead to FCC Commissioner Who Will Ensure Rural Broadband Expansion
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the One Country Project — an organization dedicated to ensuring rural issues are understood and prioritized by federal lawmakers — issued a statement regarding Gigi Sohn’s withdrawal from consideration as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner:“We look forward to supporting an FCC Commissioner candidate who will take the needs of all Americans, especially those often overlooked in rural communities, into consideration when taking action. Sohn has made numerous public statements calling into question whether she would work to bring broadband to all rural Americans. It is critical the next nominee is someone who understands there are more than 30 million Americans — many of whom live on Tribal lands or in other rural areas — that do not have access to broadband infrastructure.
“Reliable internet service has become a necessity for creating rural jobs, attracting Main Street businesses, and accessing markets, education, and health care in the 21st century. However, rural residents are almost twice as likely as those in urban areas to lack high-speed internet at home, contributing to stark inequity between rural and urban regions and disproportionate economic distress in non-metro communities. Rural America needs significant investment to expand rural broadband access and a leader who will ensure funds are allocated equitably across the country. We look to President Biden and the U.S. Senate to nominate and confirm an FCC Commissioner who will deliver for rural Americans.”
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About One Country ProjectRural America holds an essential role in moving the United States forward and the One Country Project is dedicated to ensuring Rural America’s priorities and values are heard and reflected in policy at the federal level. To learn more, visit us at www.onecountryproject.com or on Twitter or Facebook.