Rural Wireline Network Is Vital for Wireless Broadband

September 22, 2011

RTFC Capital Connections | Vol. 23, No. 9

A new white paper in the RTFC-sponsored Rural Telecom Educational Series has been released by NTCA’s Foundation for Rural Service (FRS). “The Truth About Wireless Broadband” examines the nature of wireless networks and seeks to rebut “the persistent myths about wireless technology’s application in rural settings.”

A major focus of the paper is explaining how wireless networks rely on wired networks to operate. This reliance highlights the continued importance of the national commitment to supporting rural wired networks when considering policies promoting wireless broadband.

“Virtually all wireless networks rely upon a wired network to provide a backbone transmission path for voice, video and data services,” the paper says. As a result, the wireless industry relies on its connections to the wireline networks constructed and maintained by rural telcos throughout the country.

“Going forward into the broadband era, it would not seem a wise economic or investment decision to ignore the significant, state-of-the-art wireline networks constructed and maintained by community-based telecom providers,” the paper says. “It is critical to leverage the legacy networks that rural carriers maintain today to offer wireline and wireless broadband services to residents of all parts of our nation.”

FRS launched the educational series of white papers in 2005 to promote rural telecom and educate legislators and regulators across the country about important issues affecting telcos. “The educational series does a wonderful job educating government leaders on vital issues affecting rural telcos,” said Elizabeth Crocker, FRS executive director. “RTFC has played an important role in funding this project and we greatly appreciate the strong commitment.”

RTFC sent copies of the white paper to all its members in August. The white paper also can be downloaded from FRS’s website.

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