Wireless Across America Calling on W.Va.
Written by Jason Keeling on July 11, 2007
In recent years mobile phone / wireless Internet services have expanded significantly across the
Balancing Universal Service Funding
Did you know you’re contributing to the Universal Service Fund (USF) each time you pay your phone bill? The USF was established by Congress in 1996 “to ensure an array of important telecommunications services are made available to all Americans, regardless of geography or income.” Wireless customers contribute more than 50% of the total USF funding. However, over 75% of the funding goes to improve landline phone services, while wireless infrastructure receives significantly less attention.
Would More Wireless Benefit West Virginia?
In addition to the safety and convenience benefits that come from wireless services, consider this: Tourists from across the nation visit our roaring whitewater, daring ski slopes and miles of ATV trails, but they often experience difficulty getting a wireless signal in rural areas. Like well-maintained roads or convenient airport access, the availability of wireless service makes an area more attractive to tourists and business leaders.
Wireless Across America (WAA) is an organization leading the effort to expand wireless telecommunications in rural areas across the country. The group is urging
If you believe wireless services merit greater focus in West Virginia, you can sign WAA’s statement of support (PDF). For more information, access the WAA’s fact sheet (PDF). Readers, feel free to add your perspective via comment.
Posted in Business, Economy, Government, Media, Tourism, West Virginia
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July 11th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Pow! You hit that subject right on the kisser!! I don’t know how many times guests have come from out of state and missed a very important call. I have family from Arizona and they too have limited coverage in some areas but, not like ours. We have no coverage in some very dangerous places. Like those Mr. Keeling spoke about. I know in my home we have cell phone coverage. But, if someone calls me as I leave the drive I have to make them aware that I will lose them at the corner. How silly is that? Why would my signal ever be interrupted? I mean with Technology like it is today you would think that we would have coverage everywhere. If more towers are needed. I know they make enough money off of us so, why are they not put up? Great topic Jason. I hope ((they)) fix the situation soon.
September 5th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
There is no dought that not having cellular coverage in rural areas effects people in many ways. I am fortunate enough to live in and area where that is not an issue. However, during my business travels throughout the state of WV, I too am effected by the lack of cellular service. One important group that suffers greatly is Law Enforcement. With proper celluar coverage Law Enforcement Officers have the means to transmit data to and from a Records Management System allowing them to obtain criminal line ups, warrant information, Vehicle registrations and such. I agree and so do most others that knowledge is power. If our Law Enforcemnt Officers are spending their time behind a desk or searching photos in their office, who is keeping our streets safe?