Rural Broadband Window of Opportunity Act

Hozzl · 2025-01-31T06:53:20Z

Explore the details of House Bill 46 Rural Broadband Window of Opportunity Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on undefined. Stay informed on legislative developments.

1/31/2025, 6:53 AM

Summary of Bill HR 46

Bill 119 hr 46, also known as the "Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase II Auction Timely Processing Act," aims to address the issue of slow processing of long-form applications in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase II auction by directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prioritize these applications.

The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase II auction is a program designed to expand broadband access in rural areas across the United States. However, there have been concerns raised about the lengthy processing times for long-form applications, which has delayed the deployment of broadband infrastructure in these underserved areas.

This bill seeks to expedite the processing of these applications by requiring the FCC to prioritize them and ensure that they are processed in a timely manner. By doing so, the bill aims to accelerate the deployment of broadband infrastructure in rural areas and improve access to high-speed internet for residents in these communities. Overall, the "Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase II Auction Timely Processing Act" is a bipartisan effort to address the challenges faced in expanding broadband access in rural America and ensure that the FCC prioritizes the timely processing of long-form applications in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase II auction.

Congressional Summary of HR 46

Rural Broadband Window of Opportunity Act

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prioritize the processing of applications for certain rural broadband expansion projects that are located in areas with the shortest construction seasons (e.g., areas with long winters and heavy snowfall).

Specifically, the FCC must prioritize processing such applications for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase II auction, which aims to facilitate the provision of broadband service to areas that are partially served. (The RDOF program's first phase, which is focused on broadband service for wholly unserved areas, is underway.)

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Current Status of Bill HR 46

Bill HR 46 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 3, 2025. Bill HR 46 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 3, 2025. Bill HR 46's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. as of January 3, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 46

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 46

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Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 46

To direct the Federal Communications Commission to prioritize the timely processing of certain long-form applications in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase II auction.