SIA Applauds FCC Broadband Connected Care Proposal

Washington, D.C., July 16, 2019 – The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) today applauded the Federal Telecommunications Commission (FCC) proposal to establish a connected care pilot program that would provide an 85% discount on connectivity for broadband-enabled telehealth services that connect patients directly to their doctors.  The proposed three-year pilot would bring telehealth services and digital connectivity to low-income patients, veterans and would also target tribal lands and rural areas lacking adequate connectivity.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission seeks comment on testing a new program, using the FCC’s existing Rural Health Care Program authority, that would defray the costs of purchasing broadband Internet access service necessary for providing connected care services directly to low-income patients and veterans.

“Bridging the digital divide and ensuring all Americans have access to broadband connectivity is about more than just the convenience of streaming entertainment or a requirement for business, government and education – connectivity is fast becoming an essential way of providing high quality medical care,” said Tom Stroup, President of the Satellite Industry Association.

In a recent think tank meeting organized by the FCC and the National Cancer Institute, I discussed how satellite broadband can provide connectivity which is so important in the treatment of cancer patients.  SIA applauds the FCC for this new telehealth proposal and we look forward to working with the Commission on this and other initiatives aimed at helping ensure all Americans have access to broadband and quality connected health care.”

To view a copy of the FCC Connected Care press release, please see the following link.

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-358399A1.pdf

About The Satellite Industry Association

SIA is a U.S.-based trade association providing representation of the leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers, and ground equipment suppliers. For more than two decades, SIA has advocated on behalf of the U.S. satellite industry on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues affecting the satellite business. For more information, visit www.sia.org.

SIA Executive Members include: AT&T Services, Inc.; The Boeing Company; EchoStar Corporation; Intelsat S.A.; Iridium Communications Inc.; Kratos Defense & Security Solutions; Ligado Networks; Lockheed Martin Corporation; ; SES Americom, Inc.; Space Exploration Technologies Corp.; Spire Global Inc.; and Viasat, Inc.

SIA Associate Members include: ABS US Corp.;  Airbus Defense and Space, Inc.; Analytical Graphics, Inc.; Artel, LLC; Blue Origin; Eutelsat America Corp.; ExoAnalytic Solutions; Globalstar, Inc.; Glowlink Communications Technology, Inc.; HawkEye 360; Hughes; Inmarsat, Inc.; Kymeta Corporation; Leonardo DRS; Omnispace; Panasonic Avionics Corporation; Peraton; Planet; Speedcast Government; SSL; Telesat Canada; and XTAR, LLC.

SIA Affiliate Members include: The Aerospace Corporation; AQYR Technologies; COMSAT; Comtech EF Data; Envistacom, LLC; Integrasys LLC, Kencast; NB+C; Newtec; ; Radeus Labs, Inc.; RUAG Space; Sheppard Mullin; and Wiley Rein LLP