Connecting Urban and Rural America: The State of Communications on the Ground

SCom: CommunicationsWASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet will hold a field hearing on Monday, August 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in Little Rock, Arkansas, entitled, “Connecting Urban and Rural America: The State of Communications on the Ground”. Testimony will focus on the state of communications in Arkansas, including issues facing telecommunications and media companies that provide service in the state. In addition, the hearing will focus on how broadband can improve consumer welfare by expanding opportunity and access to services like telemedicine, education and business development.

Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid or
service should call Anne Hill at 202-224-4936 at least three business days in
advance of the hearing date
.

 

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Opening Remarks

  • The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel

    Commissioner
    Federal Communications Commission
    Download Statement (226.04 KB)

Testimony

  • Mr. Jeffery Hall

    Associate Director of Government Affairs
    Arkansas Farm Bureau
  • Mr. Sam Walls III

    President
    Connect Arkansas
    Download Testimony (214.44 KB)
  • Mr. Michael Manley RNP, MNSc

    Director of Outreach
    University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Center for Distance Health
  • Mr. Lang Zimmerman

    Vice President
    Yelcot Communications and Commissioner, Arkansas Economic Development Commission
    Download Testimony (831.82 KB)
  • Mr. David L. Merrifield

    Executive Director
    Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network
    Download Testimony (369.73 KB)
  • Ms. Susan Harriman

    Member, Fast Access for Students, Teachers and Economic Results (FASTER)
    Director of Policy and Special Projects, Arkansas Department of Education
    Download Testimony (233.50 KB)

Witness Panel 2

  • Mr. Dean Kurtz

    Vice President Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, Southern Region
    CenturyLink
  • Ms. L. Elizabeth Bowles

    President and Chairman of the Board
    Aristotle Inc.
    Download Testimony (119.04 KB)
  • Mr. Jeff R. Gardner

    President and CEO
    Windstream Corp.
  • Mr. Greg Ashcraft

    Chief Financial Officer
    South Arkansas Telephone Company
    Download Testimony (273.67 KB)
  • Mr. John Strode

    Vice President-External Affairs
    Ritter Communications
    Download Testimony (177.34 KB)
  • Mr. Steven Sanders Jr.

    President and General Manager
    NATCO Communications Inc.
  • Mr. Edward Drilling

    President
    AT&T Arkansas
    Download Testimony (155.11 KB)
  • Mr. David Russell

    Vice President for External Affairs
    Verizon Communications

Witness Panel 3

  • Ms. LaDawn Fuhr

    Regional Manager, Community & Government Relations
    Mid-South Region, Suddenlink Communications
  • Mr. Doug Krile

    Executive Director
    Arkansas Broadcasters Association
    Download Testimony (100.97 KB)
  • Mr. Allen Weatherly

    Arkansas Educational Television Network: AETN
    Download Testimony (245.87 KB)
  • Mr. Len Pitcock

    Director of Government Affairs, Central Region
    Cox Communications
    Download Testimony (180.00 KB)
  • Mr. Mike Wilson

    Senior Director of Government Affairs
    Comcast of Arkansas