Washington, D.C., – The Rural Wireless Association has joined the Broadband Access Coalition, a group of 30+ broadband providers, technology companies, trade associations, and non-profit public advocacy groups working to close the digital divide by seeking access to 3.7 – 4.2 GHz Band spectrum for fixed wireless service providers.

“Wireless service is often the most economical broadband deployment method in rural areas, but access to spectrum is a major issue for rural service providers and their customers,” said RWA President Mike Kilgore. “RWA supports the BAC’s petition, and appreciates the coalition’s efforts to promote broadband deployment in rural, remote, and other unserved areas.”

Michael Calabrese, Director of the Wireless Future Project, which is part of New America’s Open Technology Institute and a founding member of BAC said, “We welcome RWA and its members to the BAC. RWA’s member companies understand all too well both the challenge of providing affordable rural broadband service and the economic development benefits that such service brings to rural communities.”

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About RWA – Headquartered in Washington, D.C., RWA – the Rural Wireless Association is a trade association representing rural wireless carriers who each serve fewer than 100,000 subscribers. RWA’s members have joined together to speed the delivery of new, efficient and innovative wireless technologies to remote and underserved communities. For more information visitwww.ruralwireless.org

About the Broadband Access Coalition – The BAC is a broad-based coalition of 30+ broadband providers, technology companies, trade associations, and non-profit public policy and consumer advocacy groups. Key members include WISPA, NTCA, Consumer Federation of America, ALA, SHLB Coalition, and the Open Technology Institute at New America. The BAC is not for profit, and there are no costs to join the coalition.