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Rural Public Interest Group Concerned About Net Neutrality
Debate in Light of Congressional Hearing
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2006 – Washington, DC – The National Grange issued a statement of caution today in
response to a Congressional hearing held regarding “net neutrality.” The
group warned about moving too fast to usher in legislation on such a complex
issue.
Leroy Watson, Legislative Director for the national group said, “This
limited mark-up does not sufficiently take into account the broad picture
and the unintended consequences that this bill may cause. Broadband
deployment in rural communities is essential, and can be accelerated with
the passage of video choice legislation this year. The complex and
contentious issue of network neutrality stands to seriously delay the
benefits of new broadband deployment and could very well have adverse,
unintended consequences in the areas of telecommuting, telemedicine and the
ability of small rural businesses to compete in global markets – all of
which are vital to the economic future of rural communities.”
The National Grange is the oldest general farm and rural public interest
organization in the United States. Founded in 1867, today the Grange
members are affiliated with 3000 local, county and state Grange chapters
across the country. More than 70% of all local Grange chapters are located
in communities of 2500 persons or less.
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