PLAN for Broadband Act

2/5/2024, 2:30 PM

Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act or the PLAN for Broadband Act

This bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to develop and implement a national strategy to improve the coordination and management of federally supported programs for expanding access to and adoption of broadband internet.

The Government Accountability Office must study the effectiveness of the strategy and its implementation and make recommendations for improvement.

The PLAN for Broadband Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 4505, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of expanding access to broadband internet in underserved and rural areas. The bill aims to address the digital divide by providing funding and resources to improve broadband infrastructure and increase internet connectivity for all Americans.

Specifically, the PLAN for Broadband Act proposes to allocate $100 billion in funding over the next five years to support broadband deployment in areas that currently lack access to high-speed internet. This funding would be used to build new broadband networks, upgrade existing infrastructure, and provide subsidies to low-income households to help them afford internet service.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to promote competition among internet service providers, encourage the deployment of broadband in tribal lands and other underserved communities, and establish a national broadband map to track progress and identify areas in need of further investment. Overall, the PLAN for Broadband Act is aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet. It has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a crucial step towards closing the gap in internet access across the country.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 4505

Introduced on
2023-07-10

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

7/10/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act or the PLAN for Broadband Act

This bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to develop and implement a national strategy to improve the coordination and management of federally supported programs for expanding access to and adoption of broadband internet.

The Government Accountability Office must study the effectiveness of the strategy and its implementation and make recommendations for improvement.

The PLAN for Broadband Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 4505, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of expanding access to broadband internet in underserved and rural areas. The bill aims to address the digital divide by providing funding and resources to improve broadband infrastructure and increase internet connectivity for all Americans.

Specifically, the PLAN for Broadband Act proposes to allocate $100 billion in funding over the next five years to support broadband deployment in areas that currently lack access to high-speed internet. This funding would be used to build new broadband networks, upgrade existing infrastructure, and provide subsidies to low-income households to help them afford internet service.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to promote competition among internet service providers, encourage the deployment of broadband in tribal lands and other underserved communities, and establish a national broadband map to track progress and identify areas in need of further investment. Overall, the PLAN for Broadband Act is aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet. It has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a crucial step towards closing the gap in internet access across the country.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a National Strategy to Close the Digital Divide, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/16/2024

Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act or the PLAN for Broadband Act

This bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to develop and implement a national strategy to improve t...


Latest Action7/10/2023
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.