Space's Broadband Bill Included In Farm Bill

Press Release

SPACE'S BROADBAND BILL INCLUDED IN FARM BILL

Legislation introduced by Congressman Space (D-OH) to increase the availability of broadband loans from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to telecommunications companies willing to provide network access has been included in the 2007 Farm Bill. The House Agriculture Committee approved Space's provision as part of its drafting of the massive five-year Farm Bill.

"All this bureaucratic red tape is limiting the ability of providers to access a critical source of support for expanding service into rural areas," Space said.

"We have to make it easier for companies to provide broadband access or we're never going to connect Appalachia. This proposal, which was included in the Farm Bill markup, helps alleviate those legal and financial barriers. It will make it a lot easier for companies to expand this vital infrastructure, and will attract new businesses and new jobs," Space continued.

This proposal would take a number of steps to facilitate the broadband loan process, expand those companies eligible, and reduce financial burdens to service providers.

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