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Title 47, Telegraphs, Telephones, and RadiotelegraphsRelease 119-102

§1701 Findings

Title 47 › CHAPTER 16 — BROADBAND ACCESS › SUBCHAPTER I — BROADBAND GRANTS FOR STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PUERTO RICO, AND TERRITORIES › § 1701

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

Congress says affordable, dependable high-speed internet is needed for people to fully join modern life. The gap in access, called the digital divide, hurts the U.S. economy and keeps people from fair access to services like health care and education. It hits communities of color, lower-income areas, and rural places hardest. More competition among providers could give cheaper, better options. The 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic showed how vital affordable fast internet is for working, learning, and staying connected while 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

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102