April 18, 2019
The ACCESS BROADBAND Act is common-sense legislation that will streamline service providers’ ability to access essential government resources to deploy broadband in rural America, while employing important safeguards to prevent overbuilding. The Act will create important efficiencies for service providers applying for support by introducing a single application format and creating a portal for providers to learn about potential funding opportunities. Importantly, creating the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth will ensure that our scarce federal broadband funding is targeted to those areas that are truly unserved, not used to duplicate existing progress. In sum, the Act will go a long way to promote accountability, bridge the digital divide, and bring much needed broadband to unserved areas.