Connect America Act of 2021

Connect America Act of 2021

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a funding program to expand broadband access for unserved areas, areas with low-tier or mid-tier service, and unserved anchor institutions (e.g., schools or libraries). The program shall consist of both national systems of competitive bidding and grants of specified amounts to states.

An area with low-tier service is an area where at least 90% of the population has access to broadband service with speeds between 25-100 megabits per second (mbps). An area with mid-tier service is an area where at least 90% of the population has access to broadband service with speeds between 100 mbps and 1 gigabit per second.

Priority must be given to projects that would expand access to broadband service in areas where at least 90% of the population has no access to broadband service or to service with speeds of at least 25 mbps.

Bill 117 HR 1672, also known as the Connect America Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of expanding access to broadband internet in rural and underserved areas across the country. The bill aims to bridge the digital divide by providing funding for broadband infrastructure projects and promoting competition among internet service providers.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas where internet access is limited or nonexistent. These grants would be awarded to eligible entities, such as state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and tribal entities, to help cover the costs of building out broadband networks.

Additionally, the Connect America Act of 2021 includes measures to promote transparency and accountability in the use of federal funds for broadband projects. The bill requires recipients of grant funding to report on the progress of their projects and demonstrate how they are meeting the goals of the legislation. Overall, the Connect America Act of 2021 seeks to address the disparities in internet access that exist in rural and underserved communities by investing in broadband infrastructure and promoting competition among service providers. By expanding access to high-speed internet, the bill aims to improve educational opportunities, economic development, and quality of life for residents in these areas.