Washington, D.C. – The following statement may be attributed to Carri Bennet, RWA’s General Counsel:

The Rural Wireless Association (RWA) urges the Trump administration and Congressional leaders to include funding for next-generation 911 (NG-911) services in any infrastructure package. RWA agrees with Commissioner Rosenworcel that there is no more essential infrastructure for our day-to-day safety. This is particularly true in rural areas, were hospitals are few and far between and a mobile phone could be a traveler’s only source of assistance on remote country roads.

While progress is being made in the move towards NG-911, there is a long way to go. RWA supports efforts to deter states from diverting 911 fees to support other priorities. RWA appreciates the financial pressures faced by state and local governments, but believes that these governments should have no higher priority than protecting citizens’ safety.