The
United States is experiencing a “Mobile Revolution”. Experts predict that by
2020 the number of connected devices will reach 50 billion.
The
“Mobile Revolution” is changing how Americans communicate and manage nearly
every aspect of daily life. These advancements have made life easier, more
enjoyable, and more productive for the millions who have embraced these
innovative technologies. Among those who are embracing and relying on wireless
broadband services at an increasingly rapid pace – although often over looked –
are farmers, ranchers, and others who make up our rural communities.
Mobile
broadband connectivity has become an increasingly important part of life for
rural America. Many farmers rely heavily on applications to provide critical
weather and crop information while access to high speed wireless services and
products allow rural Americans to have greater access to telemedicine, educational
opportunities, and provide vital connections to public safety.
Congress
is currently considering legislation to reallocate spectrum from the federal
government for commercial use by mobile broadband providers. In fact, on July
19 the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing
titled “Wireless
Broadband and the Future of Spectrum Policy” .
Hearings
such as this are important stepping-stones for ensuring future mobile broadband
connectivity and creating solid public policy that allows all Americans to take
full advantage of mobile technologies now and in the future. With the emerging
Internet of Things (IoT) and the majority of consumers opting for the latest
smartphones, tablets, or other connected devices – mobile broadband providers
are facing a swiftly approaching spectrum shortage.
This is cause for concern for all
Americans but particularly for our rural communities. Spectrum is critical to
expanding high-speed mobile broadband and the demand for spectrum has never
been higher. It’s estimated that wireless Internet traffic in North America is
expected to grow more than 41-fold from 2011 to 2016, which is why it’s so
critical for Congress to infuse more spectrum into the commercial market.
We are facing
this shortage because the federal government is sitting on an overwhelming
majority of spectrum. However, clearing
and deploying new spectrum takes years, so in order to ensure a steady stream
of spectrum to meet consumer demand, we have to begin now.
Repurposing
spectrum held by the federal government for commercial use will generate
significant economic activity. The Federal Communications Commission recently
concluded a spectrum auction, which raised a groundbreaking $45 billion, money
that’s used to reduce our growing national deficit.
The
National Grange believes high-speed mobile broadband will dramatically improve
life in rural America. It will create opportunities for young Americans to
pursue their interests in rural America, while remaining connected with the
entire globe. It will aid our older citizens to remain healthier and
independent in their golden years. We must pursue all available options to
provide the same high-speed wireless access seen in suburban communities to
rural America.
Now
is the time for congress to pass legislation that creates a long-term and
predictable future for releasing valuable spectrum in order to meet the growing
consumer demand for wireless technology.
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