February 5, 2026—America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) released the following statement marking the 30th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Act, which President Bill Clinton signed into law on February 8, 1996.
“On the anniversary of this landmark legislation, we celebrate America’s standing as the world leader in telecommunications and technology. In the past three decades, we have witnessed massive investment in telecommunications and broadband infrastructure, intense competition, an explosion of new technologies, and increased access by virtually all Americans to high-speed internet, especially in rural communities, at prices that continue to plummet. The Telecommunications Act made this success possible by opening markets and establishing a light-touch regulatory environment,” said America’s Communications Association President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer.
“Today, we are well beyond the era of CD-ROMs, Palm Pilots, and dial‑up internet. As we look toward the next 30 years and beyond, America’s Communications Association urges policymakers to seize opportunities to shape our technological future by lowering barriers to entry and investment, fostering a competitive environment where smaller providers can thrive, and ensuring every American can access high-performance connectivity that our members and other providers offer.”
America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is a trade organization representing approximately 500 small and medium-sized, independent companies that provide high-speed internet, video, phone, and mobile services covering 29 million households. ACA Connects members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of independent operators, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation. For more information, visit www.acaconnects.org.