Policy-maker Education

FRS held an educational briefing for the two Rural Telecom Educational Series Papers, entitled "America's Broadband Connection: Universal Service Rediscovered" and "The Truth About Cable Rates," on July 9, 2009 at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. The event was recorded and videos are avaliable for download below.

Click here to view Douglas Meredith's presentation on "America's Broadband Connection: Universal Service Rediscovered."
Click here to view Dom Caristi's presentation on "The Truth About Cable Rates."

To help educate policy-makers on rural telecommunications issues, FRS held a webcast to launch their latest addition to the Rural Telecom Educational Series, entitled America's Broadband Connection: Universal Service Rediscovered. This paper provides a brief history of the rural telecommunications industry and elucidates the ongoing case for universal service funding. America's Broadband connection is an invaluable tool for legislators to gain a better understanding of the various components of rural telecommunications service.  

Click here to view the archived webcast.

Deployment of telecommunications services, both in urban and rural areas, continues to be at the forefront of daily activities at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and on Capitol Hill. As with all who advocate for rural America...FRS has always contended that "rural is different!"

In an effort to help educate decisionmakers at the FCC and on Capitol Hill - many who have very little hands-on knowledge about rural communities - the foundation sponsors regular trips to visit community based telecom providers and the communities they serve. These educational visits are intended to demonstrate first hand the challenges that rural telcos face on a daily basis in providing advanced telecommunications services to their customers, as well as the vital role they play throughout their communities.

To date, FRS has sponsored visits to New Mexico, Texas, Montana, Oregon, and Alaska, then back to New Mexico and Texas - hosting 21 key FCC and Capitol Hill staff to date.

In addition, FRS provides financial support to bring FCC commissioners and staff to speak at a variety of NTCA meetings and conferences, as well as sponsored luncheons with FCC commissioners and NTCA member companies.

FRS is committed to continuing its efforts to educate the FCC and Capitol Hill about the critical role that community based telecom providers play in providing advanced telecommunications services throughout rural America.

Site Visit to New Mexico and Texas (2005)

Site Visit to Alaska (2004)

Site Visit to Oregon (2003)

Site Visit to Montana (2002)

Site Visit to Texas (2001)