Broadband Advocacy
Rural Broadband Policy Group
The Rural Broadband Policy Group is a national coalition of grassroots, regional, and national organizations that work together to create better broadband access for rural America and other marginalized communities. Rural Strategies established the group in 2009 with two primary goals:
To articulate national broadband policies that provide opportunities for rural communities to participate fully in the nation's democracy, economy, culture, and society
To spark national collaboration among rural broadband advocates.
The group is founded upon four principles:
Communication is a fundamental human right.
Rural America is diverse.
Local ownership and investment in community are priorities.
Network neutrality and open access are vital.
The Rural Broadband Policy Group petitions to the Federal Communications Commission, Congress, and individual state representatives against policies that place rural communities at a disadvantage. The group has historically advocated to protect net neutrality, rural landline service and access to 911, and more. The group also hosts public briefs, workshops, and summits and hearings to discuss rural communications issues.
Why Broadband Matters:
One-pagers from Broadband Connects America
Thirty-nine percent of rural Americans lack high-speed broadband, making the digital divide one of the largest demographic gaps in the country. Bringing reliable, affordable broadband to all rural Americans is a dire 21st century need. It’s time to connect all Americans, regardless of geographical location. Rural Assembly is proud to participate on the steering committee of Broadband Connects America, a coalition working for increased broadband across rural America. The coalition has put together a series of one pagers outlining why broadband is essential for other issue priorities. Check them out and share below.
Broadband and the Arts
Broadband and K-12
Broadband and Agriculture
Broadband and Post-Secondary Education
Broadband and Civic Engagement
Broadband and Small Business and Economic Development
Broadband and Energy
Broadband Deployment and Adoption
Broadband and Healthcare
Broadband Competition Broadband and Homeland Security