CONGRESSMAN MURPHY RELEASES STATEMENT ON THE FCC'S NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN

PRESS RELEASE
MARCH 16, 2010

Washington, DC – Congressman Scott Murphy (NY-20) released a statement following the Federal Communications Commission's release of its "National Broadband Plan" to increase access and close coverage gaps for broadband Internet service:

“We simply cannot compete in the 21st Century economy with a 19th Century infrastructure, and access to broadband is critical to Upstate New York’s economic future,” said Rep. Murphy. "The FCC plan released today is a good first step towards increasing overall broadband access, and I will continue to work for comprehensive legislation that will address rural broadband access inequities. By making critical investments now in rural broadband, we can ensure that farmers and small businesses in Upstate New York can compete and flourish in the global economy."

Earlier this year, Congressman Murphy introduced the Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2010 (H.R. 4545) – legislation that would create a comprehensive plan for rural broadband development to allow rural communities to compete in the 21st Century economy. The legislation would create a new Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives within the Department of Agriculture.

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