Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2018

Bill 115 s 2418, also known as the Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2018, aims to address the issue of inadequate wireless access in rural areas of the United States. The bill recognizes that many rural communities lack access to reliable and affordable wireless services, which can hinder economic development and limit access to essential services.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a grant program to support the deployment of wireless infrastructure in rural areas. This program would provide funding to eligible entities, such as telecommunications companies and local governments, to expand wireless coverage in underserved areas. 2. Requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a study on the availability and affordability of wireless services in rural areas. The study would assess the current state of wireless access in rural communities and identify barriers to deployment. 3. Directing the FCC to develop a framework for measuring the quality and affordability of wireless services in rural areas. This framework would help ensure that rural residents have access to comparable wireless services as their urban counterparts. Overall, the Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2018 seeks to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas by improving access to wireless services in underserved communities. By providing funding, conducting studies, and developing quality standards, the bill aims to ensure that all Americans have access to reliable and affordable wireless connectivity.