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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Jessica Rosenworcel calling on the FCC to promptly take steps to deploy existing federal funds for expanding mobile service to rural areas, particularly to unserved and underserved communities in Upstate New York.

Tonko’s call for action comes in the wake of the senseless death last month of 20-year-old Schuylerville resident Kaylin Gillis, who was shot after her friends mistakenly turned into the wrong driveway in a rural Upstate New York town that lacked reliable cell coverage. After the shooting, Ms. Gillis’ friends struggled to reach 9-1-1, driving several miles before they were able to connect with emergency services. By the time help arrived, Ms. Gillis had died. This tragedy underscores the critical importance not only of taking action to address gun violence, but also of efforts to ensure reliable cell coverage in our rural communities.

“Even as tremendous strides have been made to expand cellular and broadband coverage across the country, there is more work to do,” Tonko’s letter states. “New Yorkers, particularly those in rural communities, continue to report gaps in cellular coverage that undermine public health and safety, hamper local economies and businesses, and pose everyday challenges for residents and visitors…I appreciate the steps that [the FCC] has taken to address this issue, including by establishing the 5G Fund for Rural America…to make up to $9 billion available for expanding 5G mobile broadband service to rural areas. I urge [the FCC] to take every reasonable measure to utilize existing authorities, including through the 5G Fund for Rural America, and promptly deploy existing federal funds for mobile service to unserved and underserved communities.”

Rep. Tonko spoke about Ms. Gillis and questioned experts during a hearing last week on what federal action needs to be taken to address and close the digital divide.

As author of the ACCESS BROADBAND Act, Congressman Tonko has long championed efforts to expand and improve broadband services to unserved and underserved communities across the nation, New York State, and our Capital Region.

In addition to pushing for increased funding under the American Rescue Plan, Tonko helped to deliver significant funding for broadband expansion in the 2023 federal omnibus, including $450 million for ReConnect rural broadband and $382 million for the FCC’s efforts to expand internet access. Tonko also secured full funding for the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, established in 2020 under his ACCESS Broadband Act.

Full text of the letter can be read HERE and below:

The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel
Chairwoman
Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20554

Dear Chairwoman Rosenworcel:

I write to you to share my deep concern that significant cell coverage gaps still exist in many communities in New York and across the country, posing significant threats to public health and safety.

As you may be aware, on Saturday, April 15, 2023, a 20-year-old resident of my district, Kaylin Gillis, was shot after the car she was in with several friends mistakenly turned into the wrong driveway in a rural Upstate New York town. While not far from New York’s capital and other large cities, the area lacks reliable cell coverage. Ms. Gillis’ friends struggled to reach 9-1-1, driving several miles before connecting with emergency services. By the time they got help, Ms. Gillis had died. I am heartbroken by this senseless tragedy that underlies the critical importance not just of taking long overdue action to address gun violence in this country, but also of ensuring reliable cell coverage.

Access to wireless technology is essential. Americans rely on cellular service to share important messages with friends and family, navigate new places, conduct business, and, importantly, access emergency services when needed.

Even as tremendous strides have been made to expand cellular and broadband coverage across the country, there is more work to do. New Yorkers, particularly those in rural communities, continue to report gaps in cellular coverage that undermine public health and safety, hamper local economies and businesses, and pose everyday challenges for residents and visitors. In some instances, access to quality cell coverage could be a matter of life and death.

I appreciate the steps that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken to address this issue, including by establishing the 5G Fund for Rural America on October 27, 2020 to make up to $9 billion available for expanding 5G mobile broadband service to rural areas. I urge you to take every reasonable measure to utilize existing authorities, including through the 5G Fund for Rural America, and promptly deploy existing federal funds for mobile service to unserved and underserved communities.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,

Congressman Paul D. Tonko