Organizing for Change: Rural Communities and Broadband

Over the past few years, I have worked with some great folks in a coalition called the Rural Broadband Policy Group to advocate for rural communities and businesses. This is a working group organized under the National Rural Assembly.

The Rural Broadband Policy Group is a growing national coalition of rural broadband advocates that emerged from the National Rural Assembly. The group's goals are  

1. to articulate national broadband policies that provide opportunities for rural communities to participate fully in the nation's democracy, economy, culture, and society, and
2. to spark national collaboration among rural broadband advocates.

 

We adopted the following principles:

1. Communication is a fundamental human right.
2. Rural America is diverse.
3. Local ownership and investment in community are priorities.
4. Network neutrality and open access are vital.

The principles are further explained here and you can sign up or ask questions about the group on that same site. We are especially keen on working with organizations in rural areas who want to have a say in federal or state issues. When we develop comments for a federal proceeding or connect with various policymakers, you can be notified and have the option of signing on. For instance, read a recent letter we submitted to the FCC [pdf]. Snippet:

Big telecommunications companies have failed in extending Internet service to rural areas. They claim it is costly and not profitable. We are tired of waiting for AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast. Instead of trying to bring in an outside solution, the FCC should help and encourage local providers, who are eager to invest in their own communities, to offer competitive Internet service and create jobs.

If you follow what happens in DC, you may be surprised at some of the rural groups that claim to represent your views, including a number of groups directly funded and run by the major companies that have refused to invest in rural networks! By joining the Rural Broadband Policy Group, you can make sure your voice is actually heard rather than allowing it to be hijacked by astroturf organizations. Consider joining us at the 2011 Gathering of the National Rural Assembly, which just happens to occur in Saint Paul, Minnesota this year -- my town. If you coming in, let me know! Unless we work together on these important issues, our voices will be ignored.