Upmeyer: ?It is essential that companies have quick and reliable ...

From Rep. Linda Upmeyer -

Establishing an environment that will encourage job creation and business expansion in our state has always been one of my highest priorities while in office. It is our duty as elected officials to provide stability and certainty for Iowa employers. We need to focus on policies that support job creators and encourage innovation. We also have a responsibility to shed light on issues that have the potential to negatively impact Iowa companies and fight for what is best for our great state.

One major key to job creation is ensuring companies across Iowa have access to quality broadband services. According to Connect Iowa, a broadband advocacy group, approximately 26,000 jobs are created or saved with every seven percent increase in broadband adoption.

Last March I wrote about new rules that had been proposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which had the potential to jeopardize rural Iowa?s access to quality Broadband Internet. At that time, the FCC had proposed troubling changes to the ?Universal Service Fund?, which helped extend telephone and Internet services to rural areas. The new FCC regulations were likely to reduce funding and decrease predictability for many locally-based cooperatives and commercial telecom providers in Iowa.

New developments have recently been released by the FCC that continue to take rural Iowa down the path of reduced access to Broadband Internet. The FCC has now replaced the Universal Service Fund with the Connect America Fund, and has eliminated the access fees that many of our rural Iowa telecom providers depend on for consistent revenue.

The bulk of the new Connect America Fund will go to large companies that do not generally focus on expanding services to rural Iowa. Additionally, it is important to note that all Iowans will be affected by the new rule, because the FCC considers the entire state of Iowa to be rural, not just our small communities. This means that Iowans will continue to be taxed by the federal government to pay into the Connect America Fund, without receiving improved Internet services, while urban areas such as New York City and Chicago receive a disproportionate share of our money. Telecom consumers in Iowa will pay an extra 50 cents per month and businesses an extra dollar per month in access recovery charges, with additional charges pending in 2013 and 2014.

We live in a fast-paced world. In order to be successful in today?s business climate, it is essential that companies have quick and reliable Internet services. They must be able to seamlessly communicate with companies around the world, easily market their product or service, and effortlessly retrieve information online. While this is a federal issue, it is important that Iowans know about this matter and I encourage you to contact our federal delegation with your concerns. House Republican Leadership has sponsored a resolution opposing this change.

In other news, the Cerro Gordo County Fair and Franklin County Fair recently wrapped up. The high school softball and baseball seasons are also drawing to an end. I truly enjoy following the accomplishments of our youth throughout these various activities. We have some very talented young people in North Iowa! It?s hard to believe these staples of Iowa summers- baseball, softball, and county fairs- are already finishing up for another year. I hope you are able to fit in a nice summer vacation with your family, or just set aside some time to enjoy some of the great Iowa destinations and attractions during these remaining weeks.

Source: http://www.northiowatoday.com/?p=29852

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