Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

New FCC checks and penalties for broadband applicants

The law defines which high‑cost broadband grants are covered and when the new rules start. The FCC must start a rulemaking within 180 days to set a vetting process. Once the FCC publishes those rules, applicants must submit a detailed plan and proof of technical, financial, and operational capacity, and a reasonable business plan to deliver the pledged service. The FCC reviews plans against known standards, including those used for broadband coverage reporting, and each applicant’s past compliance; funds go only to applicants who qualify. If an applicant defaults before authorization, the penalty is at least $9,000 per violation, and the base forfeiture cannot be less than 30% of the applicant’s total support unless the FCC shows a need for less. The new rules apply only to applications filed on or after the day they are published.