Ciscomani Joins Bipartisan 5G and Beyond Caucus to Fight for Reliable Internet Across Rural Arizona

Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani today joined the bipartisan Congressional 5G and Beyond Caucus, an effort to expand connectivity. For Southern Arizona, reliable internet access is increasingly essential. As schools, health care providers, businesses, and government services continue moving online, reliable broadband is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity for families and communities to stay connected and access the opportunities of an increasingly digital economy.

"I'm proud to join the bipartisan 5G and Beyond Caucus because reliable internet is no longer an optional luxury for Arizonans. It is a necessity," said Rep. Ciscomani. "From school and telehealth appointments to running a small business and accessing essential services, families across Southern Arizona depend on reliable connectivity every day. I have heard directly from communities, especially in the greater Sierra Vista region, about the need for better coverage, and I am committed to bringing those voices to Washington and fighting for the investments needed to make reliable connectivity a reality in every corner of Arizona's Sixth Congressional District."

"Wireless communications is part of the infrastructure that determines where businesses invest, where innovation happens and where good jobs are created. Congressman Ciscomani's participation in the bipartisan 5G and Beyond Caucus is an important opportunity to keep Southern Arizona's metropolitan and rural communities at the table as the next generation of wireless technology takes shape. We appreciate his engagement and leadership on an issue that will have real implications for our region's competitiveness and for our nation's security," said Ted Maxwell, President of Southern Arizona Leadership Council.

"As a co-chair, I am proud to welcome to the 5G and Beyond Caucus Rep. Ciscomani, an effective legislator with a proven track record of delivering results. Ensuring that the United States leads in developing future wireless communications networks is essential to our economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. The 5G and Beyond Caucus plays an instrumental role in advancing policies that enable future generations of wireless communications networks to reflect American leadership, resilience, and ingenuity," said Rep. Tim Walberg.

"I'm proud to welcome Congressman Ciscomani to the 5G and Beyond Caucus. We need to ensure the United States remains a leader on the forefront of innovation and competition and plays a leading role on international wireless standards as we navigate this increasingly competitive market. With Congressman Ciscomani's partnership, we will keep working to ensure our policy choices today will have lasting impacts on the global 5G technology development of tomorrow," said Congresswoman Dingell.

Expanding connectivity in rural communities has been a top priority for Rep. Ciscomani in Congress. Recognized as the most bipartisan member in Arizona, he has worked across party lines to introduce the Connecting Our Neighbors to Networks and Ensuring Competitive Telecommunications (CONNECT) Act which is aimed at improving access to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, making federal broadband funding more accessible for small providers, local governments, nonprofits, and cooperatives. It will also streamline permitting requirements to expedite broadband projects in rural areas.

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