Food Manufacturers Commend FCC Action to Expand Connectivity for Rural Americans

The Midwest Food Products Association (MWFPA) today commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and its Chairman, Ajit Pai, for taking action to adopt new rules governing TV white space, and reallocating the space to improving broadband coverage in rural areas. White spaces are the unused wireless spectrum between television channels.

MWFPA President Jason Culotta said “We commend Chairman Pai and the FCC for adopting the TV white space rule-making notice to support broadband innovation. Food manufacturers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois employ many people in rural markets. However, global economic forces and technological advances have resulted in changes to manufacturing that have disproportionately affected rural areas in these states. Swift finalization and implementation of these rules will greatly aid these communities.”

Connect Americans Now, a coalition of more than 200 national and state-based organizations, rural advocates and concerned citizens which includes MWFPA, applauded the chairman and the FCC “for taking this important step to unleash the full potential of TV white space technology as a critical tool to help bridge the digital divide.”

The Midwest Food Products Association represents the business interests of the region’s dynamic food products industry. The association lobbies on legislative and regulatory matters; promotes safe food processing practices; investigates new technologies; funds industry research; and plans industry events. It represents over 100 processing facilities in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.

Contact:
Jason Culotta, President
608-255-9946
jason.culotta@mwfpa.org

Brian Elliott
Dir. of Communications
608-255-9946
brian.elliott@mwfpa.org