"What do border security efforts in Texas, health care in Kansas and economic development on an Indian reservation in New Mexico have in common?

All three rely on high-speed Internet services provided by small, independent rural telecommunications companies. And the success of all three will depend on the Federal Communications Commission making the right decisions in Washington.

Last year, the FCC began to reform the Universal Service Fund. That's the fund that makes sure even rural and high-cost areas of the country get affordable telecommunications services.

The FCC took apart elements of the USF and began using the money for its new Connect America Fund (CAF), repositioning the funds to support broadband-capable networks. The CAF is the linchpin of the FCC chairman's effort to implement President Obama's national broadband initiative."

Get the Story:
Byron Dorgan: FCC changes threaten rural access to Internet (The Houston Chronicle 8/8)

Related Stories:
Witness list for House hearing on universal service fund at FCC (06/07)