Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 4:09 PM

Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023

This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require large broadband service providers and edge providers (i.e., providers of online content or services, such as search engines and social media platforms) to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF). USF provides support for broadband and other telecommunications services to high-cost areas, schools and libraries, rural health care facilities, and the Lifeline program (an FCC program that provides a discount on phone and internet services for low-income consumers). Currently, only telecommunications companies (wireline and wireless telephone companies) contribute to USF.

The bill also directs the FCC to develop a mechanism to provide sufficient support to certain broadband providers that are eligible for funding for costs incurred in offering service in high-cost areas (rural areas where market forces do not support the cost of deployment and service). Eligible costs must not be recoverable by providers through revenue or other USF support. This additional support must be limited to one provider per area. 

Bill 118 s 3321, also known as the Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023, aims to address the issue of high broadband costs that many Americans face. The bill was introduced in the US Congress with the goal of making broadband internet more affordable and accessible to all individuals.

The key provisions of the bill include measures to increase competition among broadband providers, which is intended to drive down prices for consumers. The bill also includes provisions to incentivize investment in broadband infrastructure in underserved areas, with the goal of expanding access to high-speed internet to more communities across the country.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to promote transparency in broadband pricing, making it easier for consumers to compare prices and choose the best broadband plan for their needs. The bill also includes provisions to protect consumers from unfair billing practices and ensure that they are not overcharged for broadband services. Overall, the Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023 aims to make broadband internet more affordable and accessible to all Americans, with the goal of bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of high-speed internet.
Congress
118
Number
S - 3321
Introduced on
2023-11-15
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

11/15/2023
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023

This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require large broadband service providers and edge providers (i.e., providers of online content or services, such as search engines and social media platforms) to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF). USF provides support for broadband and other telecommunications services to high-cost areas, schools and libraries, rural health care facilities, and the Lifeline program (an FCC program that provides a discount on phone and internet services for low-income consumers). Currently, only telecommunications companies (wireline and wireless telephone companies) contribute to USF.

The bill also directs the FCC to develop a mechanism to provide sufficient support to certain broadband providers that are eligible for funding for costs incurred in offering service in high-cost areas (rural areas where market forces do not support the cost of deployment and service). Eligible costs must not be recoverable by providers through revenue or other USF support. This additional support must be limited to one provider per area. 

Bill 118 s 3321, also known as the Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023, aims to address the issue of high broadband costs that many Americans face. The bill was introduced in the US Congress with the goal of making broadband internet more affordable and accessible to all individuals.

The key provisions of the bill include measures to increase competition among broadband providers, which is intended to drive down prices for consumers. The bill also includes provisions to incentivize investment in broadband infrastructure in underserved areas, with the goal of expanding access to high-speed internet to more communities across the country.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to promote transparency in broadband pricing, making it easier for consumers to compare prices and choose the best broadband plan for their needs. The bill also includes provisions to protect consumers from unfair billing practices and ensure that they are not overcharged for broadband services. Overall, the Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023 aims to make broadband internet more affordable and accessible to all Americans, with the goal of bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of high-speed internet.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to ensure equitable and nondiscriminatory contributions to the mechanisms that preserve and advance universal service, to reduce the financial burden on consumers, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications

Comments

Related

Member:  Mike Braun
Member:  Mike Crapo
Committee:  Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/8/2025

Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023

This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require large broadband service providers and edge providers (i.e., providers of online content or services,...

Latest Action11/15/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.