USCA Pushes for Broadband Access and Adoption

SAN LUCAS, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
In a recent letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about the
Commission`s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on new net neutrality
recommendations, the U.S. Cattlemen`s Association (USCA) outlined benefits that
broadband technology affords individuals living in rural America.

"The benefits that broadband technology affords Americans are especially
valuable to those living in rural areas. Agriculture producers rely on broadband
technology to make critical decisions based on real-time market data. Broadband
creates opportunities for telemedicine, telework, and distance learning. These
applications connect rural Americans to important resources, while eliminating
inconvenient travel time and costs," stated the letter.

"Equitable access and adoption of broadband should be the FCC`s main objective,"
noted USCA. "The Commission must develop a National Broadband Plan that promotes
universal broadband deployment and adoption, rather than pursuing policies that
could detract from this goal."

A recent paper written by the Phoenix Center titled, Expanding the Digital
Divide: Network Management Regulations and the Size of Providers, echoed many of
these concerns. This paper discusses the goal of the American Recovery and
Investment Act of 2009, which has the goal of providing all Americans with
access to affordable broadband services, "particularly those Americans living in
rural markets where demand and cost conditions do not favor network deployment."

The Phoenix Center concludes that smaller network providers are "more
substantially harmed by network management regulation [net neutrality
regulation] that larger, more urban providers are."

The U.S. Cattleman`s Association believes that the Commission should develop a
National Broadband Plan that promotes universal broadband deployment and
adoption, rather than pursuing net neutrality policies that could detract from
that goal.

In closing the letter urged the Commission to allow all Americans, even those
living in remote areas, to experience the life-changing opportunities that a
broadband connection enables.

To view the letter, visit the following link:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=7020141580

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to concentrating its efforts in
Washington, DC to enhance and expand the cattle industry`s voice on Capitol
Hill. USCA has a full-time presence in Washington, giving cattle producers
across the country a strong influence on policy development.For more information
go to www.uscattlemen.org.

U.S. Cattlemen`s Association (USCA)
Jess Peterson 202-870-3867
usca@uscattlemen.org
www.uscattlemen.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009