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Southwest Cable Communications Association
Susan Bitter Smith, Executive Director
Telecommunications connectivity has become a necessity during the COVID-19 crisis, so the demand for my members' services from consumers and elected officials is high. Profitability, though, has not increased with demand given the necessary response from cable broadband providers to insure that there are low cost, subsidized programs and payment options available to income-challenged Americans.
Consequently, while demand is higher and expectations for more expanded service increase, the cost of doing business is also increasing and profitability is not. In addition, government movement to attempt to subsidize competitors and public entities in our space, while we continue to operate on private funds will create economic challenges as we move into next year.