Rural Broadband Modernization Act
Sponsored By: Representative Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1]
Introduced
Summary
Technology-agnostic broadband support. This bill would open USDA's ReConnect program to any delivery method and set minimum speeds of 100 megabits per second downstream and 20 megabits per second upstream. It would also require public reporting after awards and project completion and require the Secretary to issue final regulations within 180 days.
Show full summary
- Rural households would be served by projects that must deliver at least 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up and can receive service via terrestrial, non-terrestrial, or low-Earth orbit satellite systems.
- Internet providers and satellite operators would not be denied or given lesser preference based on the technology they use, letting LEO and other non-terrestrial systems compete for ReConnect loans and grants.
- USDA would have to publish within 30 days after each award the number of locations to be served and the technology used, publish after completion the assistance disbursed and locations served, and finalize implementing regulations within 180 days.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Faster, tech-neutral rural broadband support
This bill would change USDA's ReConnect program for rural broadband. Projects would need to offer at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload to qualify for a loan or grant. The bill would bar denying or giving lower preference to applications based on the technology used, including terrestrial or low-Earth orbit satellite systems. USDA would have to publish, within 30 days of an award, the number of locations to be served and the technology used, and after project completion the amount disbursed and locations served. The Agriculture Secretary would have to issue final regulations within 180 days after the bill is enacted.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1]
AZ • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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