Community Broadband Act of 2021

Community Broadband Act of 2021

This bill prohibits states from blocking the provision of broadband by public providers, public-private partnership providers, or cooperatively organized providers. Further, public providers and state or local entities participating in a partnership must administer applicable ordinances and rules without discrimination against competing private providers.

Bill 117 HR 1631, also known as the Community Broadband Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to promote the establishment and expansion of community broadband networks in order to increase access to high-speed internet in underserved areas.

The bill aims to remove barriers that currently prevent local governments and communities from building and operating their own broadband networks. It would prohibit states from enacting laws that restrict or prohibit the ability of local governments to provide broadband service to their residents.

Additionally, the bill would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a new office dedicated to supporting and promoting community broadband projects. This office would provide technical assistance, resources, and funding to help communities plan, build, and operate their own broadband networks. Overall, the Community Broadband Act of 2021 seeks to empower local governments and communities to take control of their own broadband infrastructure in order to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, high-speed internet.