Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and RadiotelegraphsRelease 119-73
§1701 Findings
Title 47 › Chapter CHAPTER 16— - BROADBAND ACCESS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - BROADBAND GRANTS FOR STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PUERTO RICO, AND TERRITORIES › § 1701
Summary
Says affordable, reliable, high-speed internet is essential today. The digital divide hurts the economy, limits health care and education, and hits communities of color, lower-income, and rural areas; competition can help, and the 2019 pandemic showed broadband is vital for work, school, and social distancing.
Full Legal Text
Title 47, §1701
Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Congress finds the following:
(1)Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States.
(2)The persistent “digital divide” in the United States is a barrier to the economic competitiveness of the United States and equitable distribution of essential public services, including health care and education.
(3)The digital divide disproportionately affects communities of color, lower-income areas, and rural areas, and the benefits of broadband should be broadly enjoyed by all.
(4)In many communities across the country, increased competition among broadband providers has the potential to offer consumers more affordable, high-quality options for broadband service.
(5)The 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic has underscored the critical importance of affordable, high-speed broadband for individuals, families, and communities to be able to work, learn, and connect remotely while supporting social distancing.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title III, § 60301, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1209, provided that: “This title [enacting subchapter II of this chapter] may be cited as the ‘Digital Equity Act of 2021’.”
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
47 U.S.C. § 1701
Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73