TDS commends FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler for his service, stewardship

Wheeler advocated strongly for rural broadband expansion.

Today, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler announced his intention to resign from the commission on January 20, 2017.

The following statement can be attributed to Drew Petersen, vice president of External Affairs and Communications for TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS^®):

   "FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler represented the interests of consumers and communities during his tenure on the commission. Chairman Wheeler recognized the importance of investing in broadband services in rural areas. He also understood the economic and civic benefits those investments have on our country. Wheeler was pragmatic in his approach and his support for lifting up rural America with improved broadband services.

  "The proposed Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) for rural rate-of-return carriers is a great illustration of Wheeler’s leadership on matters of rural broadband expansion. This program, once approved, will result in hundreds of thousands of rural citizens receiving upgraded, broadband connections.

  "Chairman Wheeler should be commended for dedicating the time and effort to solve this vexing problem — the lack of sufficient and reliable access to broadband. TDS hopes Chairman Wheeler’s last FCC action will be approving and ordering a revised A-CAM model to benefit rural Americans. This will be an important legacy for Chairman Wheeler and his tenure at the FCC."