Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act

Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act

This bill reauthorizes through FY2026, revises, and establishes grants and activities to promote access to broadband internet and other telecommunication services.

The bill addresses digital equity and inclusion through grants and by requiring studies on barriers to adoption of broadband services and related matters.

The bill addresses broadband affordability and access. It (1) reauthorizes and expands various programs that subsidize or otherwise support broadband services for eligible households, schools and libraries, and tribal lands and populations; and (2) establishes a program for expanding broadband service for underserved areas and community support organizations (e.g., schools and religious organizations). Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must award grants and take other actions to expand programs that verify an individual's eligibility for subsidized services.

The bill addresses broadband data collection, disclosure, and sharing. The FCC must (1) issue rules regarding the collection of pricing data and labels that disclose information about broadband plans to consumers, and (2) collaborate and share data with federal agencies and other stakeholders.

The bill makes financing (e.g., low-interest loans) available to communities and public-private partnerships for broadband infrastructure investments. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must require states to install conduits for broadband cables as part of certain highway projects. The bill also sets up a task force on nationwide dig once requirements (i.e., policies or practices to minimize excavations of highway rights-of-way when installing telecommunications infrastructure).

Further, the bill preempts state laws that prohibit certain telecommunications service providers (e.g., public providers) from providing high-speed broadband services.

The Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 1783, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of expanding access to high-speed internet for all Americans. The bill aims to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable internet service to underserved communities, including rural and low-income areas.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a $100 billion fund to build high-speed broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas. 2. Requiring internet service providers to offer affordable plans for low-income households, with a focus on ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial constraints. 3. Promoting competition in the broadband market to drive down prices and improve service quality. 4. Ensuring that internet service is accessible to people with disabilities by requiring providers to comply with accessibility standards. The bill has received bipartisan support, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the importance of expanding internet access in today's digital age. Supporters argue that increased access to high-speed internet will not only improve educational and economic opportunities for individuals, but also benefit businesses and communities as a whole. Overall, the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act seeks to address the digital divide in the United States and ensure that all Americans have access to the essential services and opportunities that the internet provides.