Starting on July 1st, the FCC implemented new rules in regards to broadband access all across the country. It will result in Iowans paying a higher fee for the service.   Consumers and businesses will see access recovery charges on their bills ($ .50 for consumers and $ 1 for businesses per month) as mandated by the new FCC Rules beginning in July. Additional changes and charges loom for 2013 and 2014.

Another aspect of the plan, would be to limit funding to independent telecommunications companies. Experts say that the reliable service that most rural customers can expect might diminish.

Sheila Navis, Executive Director with the Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Association, says that these rule changes will also affect farmers immensely. Navis says, "As their needs for data consumption over a broadband pipe increase, they have to be able to rely on telecommunications companies, who are on the cutting edge of technology."

Navis adds that these rule changes have already made an impact on Telecommunications Companies across Iowa, who've had to cancel projects.