2009 Year in Review

Policy-Maker Education - Rural Telecom Educational Series: In 2009, the Foundation added two new papers to the Rural Telecom Educational Series - "America's Broadband Connection: Universal Service Rediscovered" and "The Truth About Cable Rates." FRS held an educational briefing on both papers in July of 2009. The briefing presentation is archived in the Policy-maker education section of the website.

Rural Youth Survey: In partnership with NTCA, FRS produced its eighth annual "Rural Youth Telecommunications Survey." The survey results were released during a successful webcast in September 2009. The 2009 survey results and webcast are both archived in the Rural Youth Survey section of the website. 

Lifeline/Link-Up Program Education: FRS continued to promote the Lifeline/Link-Up programs and products for rural carriers in the communities they serve. The Foundation offers both informational mailers and posters for telco use for this program. 

College Scholarship Program: FRS awarded $75,000 in college scholarships to 30 rural high school seniors sponsored by NTCA members companies in 2009. Awards were given in the amount of $2,500 to outstanding students representing all 10 regions of the NTCA membership, as well as one student sponsored by a NTCA associate member company.

Youth Tour: The 15th annual FRS Youth Tour brought 100 students and 26 chaperones on a trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C. May 30 - June 3. This five-day tour featured educational sessions, trips to Capitol Hill, speakers at the FCC, and plenty of sightseeing of our Nation’s Capital.

Customer Outreach Series - Informational Mailers: FRS continued to provide informational mailers to assist rural telcos with their ongoing customer outreach. This ongoing series of mailers provide members with materials to educate the public about the telecommunications industry-related issues. For 2009, FRS added several new pieces to their selection of informational mailers - "Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft," "The Truth About Cable Rates," and "The Importance of a Landline Phone" were all produced for NTCA members during the past year.

Continuing with tradition, FRS hosted a welcome reception, known as the FRS Get Together, on opening nights of all five NTCA Regional Meetings. In addition to providing a nice social gathering, the evening also helps increase the foundation's visibility and introduces guests to FRS board members and staff.

Fund Raising Events: Over the past year, the foundation hosted several successful special events and golf outings to raise valuable funds for FRS programs and initiatives. In 2009, more than $112,000 was raised from these events!