Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) and the members of the House Rural Broadband Task Force reaffirmed their goal of closing the digital divide and extending affordable high-speed internet to all communities by introducing comprehensive legislation to invest in the expansion of broadband connectivity.
The Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act invests over $90 billion to improve broadband access in rural communities across the U.S.
The legislation also includes Rep. Axne’s Broadband Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act, which makes low-interest financing available to community ventures and public-private partnerships to help deploy broadband connectivity and high-speed internet access.
“The overlapping crises of the past year have been a stark case study on the need for affordable high-speed internet,” said Rep. Axne. “Whether it’s been remote learning, visiting a doctor through a telehealth appointment, keeping a business going through online orders, or navigating government services online – an internet connection has been as critical as electricity and safe shelter in these difficult times – and the inequities of access have made life impossible for those still operating without proper access. I’m proud to join my colleagues on the Rural Broadband Task Force to reintroduce a comprehensive solution to help provide affordable, high-speed broadband to all corners our nation and to under-served communities in Iowa.”
The Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act includes:
- $80 billion over five years to deploy high-speed broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas
- $5 billion over five years to support low-interest financing of broadband deployment
- $6 billion for the FCC’s new Emergency Broadband Benefit to provide up to $50/month to cover the cost of broadband for low-income customers and those who’ve recently lost their job
- $2 billion for schools and libraries to help with rapid deployment of mobile hotspots and laptops to families who need them
- Over $1 billion for a new State Digital Equity Capacity Program to ensure people have the digital literacy needed to work and learn online
The legislation has the vocal support from many broadband advocates, including Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, the Communications Workers of America (CWA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association, and the Student Internet Equity Coalition.
Rep. Axne was appointed to serve on the House Rural Broadband Task Force in May 2019.
Read More:
The full text of The Accessible, Affordable Internet For All Act is available here.
More information on Rep. Axne’s Broadband Infrastructure Innovation Act is available here.
A Section-By-Section summary is available here.
A Fact Sheet on the bill is available here.
Original source can be found here.
