For many of us, cell phones have become a necessary component of everyday life, helping us do business, stay in touch with the people who matter most to us and call for help in emergencies.

In towns big and small across Wisconsin, firefighters and police officers depend on wireless service to respond quickly to emergency situations. They rely on cell phones to assist in search and rescue operations, address domestic violence situations and communicate in areas where police radio is unsecured or unavailable.

That’s why a recent proposal by the Federal Communications Commission is so troubling to me — and potentially dangerous for West Salem and La Crosse.

In smaller communities, wireless carriers cannot always justify the costs of building new cell towers. However, there is a federal program called the Universal Service Fund that helps build reliable communications networks in rural areas.

Unfortunately, the FCC placed a cap on the wireless portion of the USF earlier this year, and now proposes drastic cuts that could eliminate more than half the support we now receive in Wisconsin. Statewide, we could lose up to $35 million in annual USF support, and dozens of new cell sites would be cancelled or delayed every year.

We are fast becoming a wireless nation, but there is much work to be done in Wisconsin to bring reliable cell phone networks to our towns and cities. Cutting the USF for wireless is not a solution. Visit www.ConnectingRuralAmerica.org to learn more and take action.

Rick Stadelman is executive director of the Wisconsin Towns Association.