Rep. Neguse and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Rural Broadband
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse and Representatives Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) and Angie Craig (D-MN) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access to rural communities. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would strengthen funding mechanisms for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services. Currently, the USF is primarily funded through landline fees, disproportionately impacting seniors, who are more likely to use landlines than other Americans.
“Access to broadband internet is critical for Americans across the nation—and too many in our rural and urban communities lack the broadband infrastructure to stay connected. Connectivity ensures individuals can do their jobs, thrive in school, access health care, and so much more,” said Congressman Neguse. “By reintroducing our bill, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act, we are recommitting ourselves to connecting all communities and ensuring that federal agencies are using all tools at their disposal to expand access to broadband and other telecommunications services.”
“I’m working across the aisle in Congress to upgrade broadband infrastructure across the Second District, particularly in our rural areas,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “This legislation will help grow rural Minnesota economies, improve broadband accessibility and ensure those communities have a seat at the table.”
“It is so important to ensure Americans have access to broadband, wherever they live,” said Rep. Lizzie Fletcher. “I am glad to join Congressman Neguse and Congresswoman Craig in reintroducing this legislation to ensure the Universal Service Fund remains strong and available to help expand broadband infrastructure across the country.”
The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would direct the FCC to initiate a rulemaking process to reform the contributions system, taking into account the fairness and the relative burden any changes in fees will have on consumers and businesses, as well as the impact the proposed changes to the contribution system will have on seniors.
Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).
“In 2023, we should be able to bring high-speed internet to every family in America — regardless of their zip code,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure we have the resources in place to continue expanding access to broadband while relieving the burden of fees on consumers, especially our seniors. As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to close the digital divide and help all Minnesotans reliably access the high-speed internet they need.”
“It is crucial that rural communities across South Dakota have access to reliable broadband services,” said Sen. Thune. “For years I have fought for predictable and sufficient support for broadband providers to help enable the continued deployment of these services throughout our communities. The FCC’s Universal Service Fund has played an important role in expanding broadband access, and this legislation would ensure it remains sustainable in the future.”
“We’re connecting every house in America to affordable, high-speed internet, including all of our rural communities,” said Sen. Hickenlooper. “Strengthening the Universal Service Fund will help us expand reliable internet access to those rural communities faster.”
“Rural communities rely on broadband services to run their businesses, access telehealth services and pursue college degrees,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will help provide stability and certainty to FCC’s Universal Service Fund which provides broadband services across the country, including in rural America.”
The legislation is endorsed by the National Telephone Cooperative Association (NTCA)– The Rural Broadband Association, WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband, USTelecom, and the Minnesota Telecom Alliance.
“The Colorado Telecommunications Association (CTA) represents more than two-dozen small rural companies in Colorado providing robust broadband networks in rural communities. Our members and customers appreciate Rep. Neguse introducing Universal Service Reform legislation to address the need to provide long-term funding for sustainable, affordable and reliable rural broadband networks. Now more than ever access to high quality broadband networks is critical for work, education, healthcare, information and social interactions,” said Carrie Hackenberger, Executive Director of Colorado’s Local Rural Broadband Providers.
“NTCA applauds the leadership of Rep. Neguse in seeking to chart a course for steadier long-term support of USF programs and promote achievement of our country’s universal service mission,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “As we continue to rely on broadband for just about every aspect of daily life, including working and learning remotely, the Universal Service Fund is key to making critical communications services both available and affordable. Efforts to examine and address continuing erosion in the system that funds the USF will be essential to achieve and sustain a shared vision of universal connectivity. We are therefore pleased to endorse the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act.”
“WTA supports the introduction of the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act and all efforts to modernize the Universal Service Fund contributions system. It makes no sense to solely rely on assessments on long-distance voice revenue for contributions to USF to pay for what is now a broadband-focused fund,” said Derrick Owens, Senior Vice President of Government & Industry Affairs, WTA - Advocates for Rural Broadband. “While the FCC has the authority to expand the contributions base and put the Fund on a sustainable path for the future, it has chosen not to do so. Congress should pass this legislation to require the FCC to act.”
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