Book Description:
This book explores broadband Internet use and rural America. For many Americans, a world without broadband is unimaginable. However, large parts of rural America have languished on the sidelines of the digital revolution. As many of their fellow citizens in more densely populated parts of the country go online for work, education, entertainment, healthcare, civic participation, and much more, too many rural Americans are being left behind. Rural governments and businesses are missing opportunities to function more efficiently and effectively. At a time when access to affordable, robust broadband services is a fundamental part of efforts to restore America's economic well-being in both rural and urban areas, we must ensure that this capability is available to open the doors of opportunity for everyone.

Table of Contents:
Preface

Bringing Broadband to Rural America
(Michael J. Copps, Acting Chairman, Federal Communications Commission)

Broadband Deployment is Extensive throughout the U.S., but it is Difficult to Assess the Extent of Deployment Gaps in Rural Areas
(U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Broadband Internet's Value for Rural America
(Peter Stenberg, Mitch Morehart, Stephen Vogel, John Cromartie, Vince Breneman, Dennis Brown, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

Broadband Loan and Grant Programs in the USDA's Rural Utilities Service
(Lennard G. Kruger, Specialist in Science and Technology Policy)

Testimony of Jim Andrew to the House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture

Testimony of Mr. Kevin Felty, General Manager, Plains Cooperative Telephone Association before the Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture

Written Statement of Jack M. Geller, PhD., President, Center for Rural Policy & Development, Saint Peter, Minnesota, before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture

Testimony of Mr. Denny Law, Eastern Regional Manager, Golden West Telecommunications, Wall, South Dakota; before the House Committee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture

Statement of Walter B. McCormick, Jr., President and CEO, U.S. Telecom Association to the House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Assistance

Testimony of Tom Simmons, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Midcontinent Communications, before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture

Index