AFBF: Support Legislation To Improve Broadband Mapping

The American Farm Bureau Federation says now is the time for the farming community to show support for the bipartisan Broadband Data Improvement Act.  AFBF said the legislation would improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout.  Cody Lyon, AFBF managing director of advocacy and political affairs, says the need for rural broadband is strong.

“Broadband is a critical pathway to help farmers and ranchers achieve many of the essential modern agricultural needs. Having appropriate and adequate access to broadband helps them be more efficient, helps them be more economical, helps them be more responsible to the environment, just helps them be better at their job.”

Lyon added the legislation would change the mapping of rural areas to more adequately show the lack of rural broadband.

“It helps with the mapping of where broadband is needed. It helps make sure that that critical infrastructure is in place to help farmers and ranchers. It’s essential to make sure rural America has access to tools that help the businesses of farming and ranching, but also helps the community of which farmers and ranchers live.”

Lyon said its important for farmers to go to the Farm Bureau’s Website to voice support for the Act, and with lawmakers in district during the August recess, to visit with members of their delegation to express the importance of rural broadband coverage.

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