Rural Broadband Expansion and Infrastructure Streamlining Act
The Rural Broadband Expansion and Infrastructure Streamlining Act accelerates access to high-speed internet in underserved areas by reducing permitting barriers, expanding grant support, and encouraging public-private partnerships. The legislation improves coordination across agencies and ensures accurate mapping of service gaps. Its purpose is to close the rural digital divide and support economic growth, education, and healthcare access.
Key Provisions
Rural Broadband Access Grant Program Expansion: Increases funding and eligibility for broadband infrastructure grants targeting unserved rural areas.
Permit Streamlining for Broadband Deployment: Requires state and local agencies to adopt uniform, expedited permitting procedures for broadband infrastructure on public rights-of-way.
Broadband Infrastructure on Public Lands Directive: Directs state agencies to allow broadband providers access to state-owned lands and easements with standardized lease terms and timelines.
Public-Private Rural Connectivity Incentive: Creates matching incentives for private ISPs partnering with counties, utilities, or cooperatives to serve high-cost rural areas.
State Broadband Mapping and Challenge Portal: Establishes a public portal for verifying broadband coverage data and allowing local communities to challenge inaccurate service maps.
Model Language
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the “Rural Broadband Expansion and Infrastructure Streamlining Act.”
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to facilitate the rapid and cost-effective expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure in rural communities by addressing regulatory, financial, and logistical barriers.
Section 3. Definitions.
(a) “Unserved area” means a geographic area lacking access to broadband internet with speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
(b) “Department” means the state’s Department of Economic and Community Affairs (DECA).
(c) “Eligible provider” means an internet service provider, electric cooperative, or public-private entity deploying broadband infrastructure.
Section 4. Rural Broadband Access Grant Program Expansion.
(a) The Department shall increase annual funding for the existing broadband grant program.
(b) Eligible projects must primarily serve unserved or underserved areas in counties with populations under 75,000.
(c) Grant awards may cover up to 80% of total project cost.
Section 5. Permit Streamlining for Broadband Deployment.
(a) All state and local permitting agencies shall adopt a uniform broadband permit application and review process.
(b) Applications shall be reviewed within 45 days of submission.
(c) Failure to act within the timeline shall result in automatic approval, unless public safety is impacted.
Section 6. Broadband Infrastructure on Public Lands Directive.
(a) All state departments controlling land or easements shall provide access for broadband deployment.
(b) Standardized lease agreements shall be developed with clear rates, access terms, and response timelines not to exceed 60 days.
Section 7. Public-Private Rural Connectivity Incentive.
(a) The Department shall offer matching grants to broadband providers who: (1) Enter formal partnerships with rural counties or utilities; and (2) Commit to long-term service provision in high-cost areas.
(b) Match amount shall not exceed $500,000 per project.
Section 8. State Broadband Mapping and Challenge Portal.
(a) The Department shall establish a public online mapping platform displaying broadband availability by address.
(b) The platform shall include a challenge process for residents, providers, or governments to dispute inaccurate service claims.
(c) The Department shall resolve challenges within 60 days.
Section 9. Severability. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder of the Act shall remain in force.
Section 10. Effective Date. This Act shall take effect on January 1 of the year following its enactment.