Top Three Reasons Why Rural North
Dakota Consumers Have Reliable Internet
Dedicated members of the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND)
BAND members have improved and upgraded their networks from what was originally designed to be plain telephone service to the high-speed access available today. Many of these networks have been upgraded over the last 20 years to fiber optics.
BAND members’ investment in fiber internet networks
BAND members believe that their customers deserve the best! if you are going to invest in something, invest in technology that is future-proof. BAND Members have used their own capital investments, federal grants & loans, and the Universal Service Fund to maintain their networks.
Federal Universal Service Fund (USF)
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 expanded the traditional goal of universal service to include increased access to both telecommunications and advanced services – such as high-speed Internet – for all consumers at reasonable and affordable rates. IF USF was not in place, rural North Dakota consumers and businesses could pay more than double what they currently pay per month.
Support Continuation of the UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!
The USF is crucial for North Dakota’s rural broadband networks, bridging the digital divide, promoting economic development, making broadband services more affordable, supporting education and workforce development, and improving access to healthcare in rural areas. This support is what ultimately enables the development and ongoing maintenance of internet networks in rural regions.
Policy Makers Must Support Predicable Federal USF
- Promoting a sustainable USF keeps constituents connected
- BAND members cannot sustain internet networks without USF
- North Dakota rural areas will only thrive with continued universal service support
Without USF support, rural consumers would suffer.
Reliable internet service is essential for:
Healthcare Remote work Education Entertainment Social connections Economic prosperity
