The FCC launched a sixteen-month effort to inform consumers about the policies, rules and federal programs available to improve access to telecommunications services in rural areas of the U.S., especially tribal lands, Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta. The first step is to build support and awareness for the federal Universal Service Lifeline program, which provide discounts for local phone service to eligible low-income consumers, and Link-Up, which provides discounts for low-income consumers for phone line installation. The FCC further hopes to stimulate the deployment of broadband and digital TV services in rural America. The Commission is launching a proceeding to establish policies for the transition to digital television for low-power TV, TV translators and TV booster stations. The FCC will also convene a Rural Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) Showcase and Workshop to take place 17-September-2003 in Washington, D.C.
Approximately one-fifth (20%) of the nation’s population lives in rural areas.
http://www.fcc.gov
