Thomas Clifford, from Silver Bay MN and member of the Lake County Board, had a letter to the editors in the Duluth News Tribune this weekend that highlights the reasons he supports the AT&T-T-Mobile merger to expand broadband into Lake County…

The horrific Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness wildfire at Pagami Creek was a wake-up call in Lake County and across the Iron Range. Thanks to the tireless and heroic efforts of firefighters, law enforcement and first responders, the fire was contained and the damage minimized. The consequences for nearby communities could have been devastating with lives lost and homes consumed by the massive blaze.

Part of the reason firefighters were able to battle the fire so effectively was wireless communications. Fortunately, AT&T set up emergency equipment to aid communications during the disaster and helped first responders coordinate activities.

As a Lake County commissioner, I’ve pushed for enhanced mobile communications across the county for emergency situations such as this. When lives are at stake, we need to have the security that high-speed wireless technology provides. It can be a life-saver.

That’s also one of the reasons I’ve been a vocal and active supporter of the proposed merger of AT&T and T-Mobile. The combined efficiencies and resources realized through the merger would deliver mobile broadband to areas of Lake County that wouldn’t otherwise have it.

You can read the entire article online.