§8451 Connect our parks

Summary

The Secretary of the Interior must check National Parks to find where broadband internet and cellular service are most needed. Definitions: "appropriate committees" means four Congressional committees (Senate Energy and Natural Resources; Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation; House Natural Resources; House Energy and Commerce). "Broadband internet access service" and "cellular service" use the meanings in federal rules. "National Park" means a unit of the National Park System. "Secretary" means the Interior Secretary acting through the National Park Service director. Not later than 1 year after January 4, 2025, the Secretary must finish an assessment that spots park locations with the greatest need for broadband (looking at housing, offices, lodging, developed campgrounds, and other places the park superintendent says are needed) and areas needing cellular service (looking at developed places that would improve emergency access, traveler info, or staff communications). The results must go to the four Congressional committees and be posted online. Not later than 3 years after January 4, 2025, the Secretary must make a plan, based on the assessment, to install broadband and cellular infrastructure. The plan must include consultation with affected Indian Tribes and local stakeholders, avoid or limit harm to park views, cultural and natural resources, visitor experience, and historic places, place equipment in already disturbed or zoned areas when possible, use public‑private partnerships, be technology neutral, and require broadband of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream. Parks that a superintendent finds already have adequate service do not have to be covered by the plan.