Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act
Sponsored By: Representative Joyce (PA)
In Committee
Summary
This bill would create a federally supervised framework for deploying telecommunications and broadband in public and railroad rights-of-way. It sets notification and application rules, firm timelines, limits on when carriers can charge for work, and gives the Federal Communications Commission a clear process to resolve disputes quickly.
Show full summary
- Telecom and broadband providers: Can place or modify facilities in a public right-of-way after notifying the relevant railroad carrier. Work must start no earlier than 15 days and no later than 30 days after notice unless both parties agree, and providers are not required to pay the railroad for that work but must follow any state or local payment rules.
- Railroad carriers: Must approve or deny complete applications for work inside railroad rights-of-way within 60 days and may deny only for substantial interference or safety risks. Carriers may bill providers for actual costs reasonably and directly related to the application and safety work.
- Regulators and dispute resolution: Either party can petition the Federal Communications Commission to resolve disputes about delays, denials, or compensation. The FCC has exclusive jurisdiction, may use outside experts, must issue final orders within 90 days, and must issue implementing rules within 1 year while coordinating with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Surface Transportation Board.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Faster broadband work at rail crossings
If a state or local government already okays work in a public right‑of‑way that crosses a railroad, a provider would only need to notify the railroad in writing. No separate railroad application would be required. The notice must list the location, start date, duration, entry and exit points, and contact info. Work would start no sooner than 15 days and no later than 30 days after notice, unless both sides agree otherwise. The railroad could not charge the provider for that crossing work under this rule, though state or local fees could still apply.
FCC rules set safety and speed
Within 1 year, the FCC would write rules to carry out this section. The rules would protect railroad safety and follow rail‑safety laws, speed emergency work and work at closed or abandoned crossings, and set standards for denials and for calculating actual costs. The FCC could limit locations or types of work to keep people and rail lines safe, and would coordinate with rail regulators. The bill also defines key terms like broadband service, provider, railroad carrier, and covered facilities.
Safety roles and no extra insurance
Providers working near or within railroad rights‑of‑way would not need to buy extra insurance for the placement. Providers would still need to follow federal safety laws and any industry standards the Commission sets, and do all work they are allowed to perform. Railroads would take protective measures they think are needed and do any work providers are not allowed to do under safety limits.
Standard permits in railroad rights-of-way
Providers working inside a railroad right‑of‑way would file a written application with plans, location, timing, entry and exit points, and contacts. The railroad would have 60 days to approve or deny a complete application. A denial would be allowed only for real safety risks or substantial harm to rail infrastructure, and reasons must be explained. After approval, work would start within 30 days unless another date is listed or agreed. Providers would have to pay the railroad’s actual, reasonable, and directly incurred costs, including safety‑related work.
FCC handles rail-broadband disputes fast
The FCC would be the only federal venue to decide these disputes. Railroads and providers could petition the FCC, and a final order would be due within 90 days, with limited extensions. The FCC could hire experts, and the losing party on that issue may have to repay expert costs. The FCC would coordinate with rail safety agencies. Providers could not file certain petitions until the railroad acts or 60 days pass after the application is received.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Joyce (PA)
PA • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]
OH • D
Sponsored 11/17/2025
Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50]
CA • D
Sponsored 11/17/2025
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
VA • D
Sponsored 12/3/2025
Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]
VA • D
Sponsored 12/9/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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