90
STATEMENT
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
Re:  In the Matter of Rural Health Care Support Mechanism, WC Docket No. 02-60
The response to our call for applications to participate in the Rural Health Care Pilot 
Program in September 2006 was heartening.  The applications demonstrated the need for 
enhanced access to the most current and advanced health care information and services in 
rural areas throughout the nation.   I am pleased that we are granting 69 of the 
applications.  Our action will speed the development of regional, state and national 
broadband networks dedicated to health care.  We are carrying out the Congressional 
mandate that the Commission improve the availability of advanced telecommunications 
and information services for rural health care providers.  This program also increases 
support for rural areas in time of public health emergencies, such as pandemics and 
bioterrorism attacks.  At the same time, we are imposing safeguards to assure that the 
rural health care funds are used for their intended purposes.   I look forward to seeing 
increased telemedicine and telehealth services in rural areas as a result of our action 
today.