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.”