From Stalk to Skyscraper
Learn why Iowans everywhere need a connected world.
For over 100 years, Iowa’s independent telephone companies have provided the necessary infrastructure to keep our state connected. But currently, regulator policies are in the works that could jeopardize Iowa’s access to equitable and fairly priced communications services, as early as 2020. You might know of one of these policies as the National Broadband Plan. We call these issues, “The Great Disconnect.”
Hundreds of representatives from Iowa independent telecommunications companies rallied at the Iowa State Capitol on April 20th. Our goal was to raise awareness about our telecommunications infrastructure and keep the public informed on connectivity issues that directly impact the state.
State Representative, Roger Thomas of House District 24 also spoke about how this legislation would affect his constituents. “Strong telecommunication companies are important to the vitality and health of rural Iowa. A strong rural Iowa is important to the vitality and health of ALL of Iowa,” says Thomas. “Telecoms are small businesses with high quality jobs that contribute to Iowa’s prosperity through property taxes, payroll taxes and income taxes. They invest in key economic and community development initiatives in hundreds of Iowa rural communities. Despite claims on proposed policies to improve telecommunication service, these proposals threaten the sustainability of Iowa’s robust networks and services – it tears apart the existing network with provisions that could put rural Iowa at risk of having no service at all.”
We believe in our state, where it has been and where it is going. Between the proposed National Broadband Plan and other policies, Iowa is at risk of losing its robust connectivity.
Pictured are Alpine managers Lori Keppler, Margaret Corlett, Sara Hertrampf, Chris Hopp along with Iowa Rep. Roger Thomas of Elkader
Instead of continually maintaining and updating connection speeds, Iowa may be left behind as the rest of the nation moves on to connections speeds 25 times the rate of Iowa’s connection speed. Are you ready to let that happen? Here’s how you can help. Please call or write to your legislator, send press releases and editorials to your local newspaper and tell those around you about the potential ramifications of this legislation. Together, we can raise awareness on this issue. To find materials to help you spread the word, visit www.TheGreatDisconnect.org or call Alpine at 245-4000.