The two U.S. senators from Kansas, along with all four U.S. representatives from the state, on Monday wrote a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai urging that he “restore sufficiency and predictability” to the Universal Service Fund High Cost program.
The program helps provide funding to companies working to increase broadband capability to parts of the country with little or no access.
“These services are necessary if rural communities are to compete in a global economy,” the lawmakers wrote to the FCC head.
“The insufficient and uncertain USF budget continues to hamper rural providers’ efforts to invest in rural broadband at a time when the federal government has made (this) a national priority.”
Broadband infrastructure has a lesser price tag for Americans living in more urban areas. Like the rural electrical dilemma of an earlier day, the farther reaches of the nation — to the so-called “last mile” of coverage — cost more to serve because of extended physical facilities and a less concentrated customer base.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)