A coalition representing Iowa’s independent telephone companies is voicing concern about how new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations proposed earlier this week could affect rural broadband access in Iowa.

The coalition, called the Iowa Independent Telephone Companies Coalition, includes members of Iowa Network Services, the Iowa Telecommunications Association and the Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Association. Members believe the FCC’s National Broadband Plan and a proposed ruling on the Universal Service Fund (USF) could affect Iowans’ access to Internet connection; the group said that 95 percent of the state’s households have access to fixed broadband service.

The FCC officially proposed on Tuesday to streamline USF funds into a Connect America Fund, designed to make broadband more affordable for all Americans, which the Iowa coalition believes could mean reduced coverage for Iowans.

For a related Business Record story, click here.