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The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) is encouraging U.S regulators to protect satellite spectrum and services to ensure greater access to broadband. The SIA testified before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communication and Technology yesterday during a hearing titled Ingenuity, Innovation, and Solutions to the Rural Broadband Challenge. SIA President Tom Stroup provided testimony on behalf of the Association.

“Satellite communications services are positioned to be the keystone for bringing 21st century broadband capabilities to the entirety of the United States,” said Stroup in his testimony. “These services are capable of providing broadband to rural and remote areas of the country where it remains uneconomical for terrestrial services to deploy, and provide both speeds and prices comparable to terrestrial alternatives.”

“In order for our industry to sustain and meet the growing demand for satellite services, we encourage regulators to continue to allocate sufficient spectrum for satellite use and to support the National Broadband Mapping system as to provide a clear and complete map of broadband services,” concluded Stroup.