Legislation designed to improve phone service in rural areas is making its way through Congress. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held discussions this week on the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2015. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News it would add new requirements on carriers.
“It’s going to help phone manufacturers and providers to have a consistent signal,” Upton said. “So, we’re likely going to see more towers, better technology.”
The plan requires some rural providers to meet FCC standards while also updating the Communications Act of 1934 to prevent unreasonable discrimination among areas. Upton says people who live in rural areas should get the same quality of service as city residents. He thinks the legislation could be approved by the House by the end of the year.
