The "Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act" mandates a GAO study on the feasibility of using low-orbit satellites for broadband in Appalachian economic development projects.
David Taylor
Representative
OH-2
The "Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act" mandates a study by the Comptroller General to assess the Appalachian Regional Commission's use of low-orbit satellites for broadband projects. This study will evaluate the effectiveness, economic impact, and cost-efficiency of using these satellites to expand broadband access in the region. The goal is to explore innovative solutions for improving connectivity and fostering economic growth in underserved Appalachian communities.
Congress Orders Quick Study: Can Satellites Boost Broadband in Appalachia?
A new piece of legislation, the "Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act," directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) – Congress's independent watchdog – to investigate the potential of using low-orbit satellites to improve internet access across the Appalachian region. The bill, specifically SEC. 2, gives the GAO a tight deadline: deliver a comprehensive report within 90 days of the bill becoming law. The core goal is to figure out if this newer satellite technology is a practical tool for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to use in its broadband expansion efforts.
Scanning the Skies for Answers
So, what exactly will the GAO be looking into? The study has three main objectives:
- Business Viability: Assess how well current low-orbit satellite services work for business needs. Think faster uploads for a local graphic designer or stable connections for remote workers.
- Economic Impact: Evaluate whether areas already using similar satellite tech have seen real economic growth. Does better internet translate to more jobs or business startups in hard-to-reach places?
- Cost-Effectiveness: Analyze if using satellites makes financial sense for boosting economic development compared to other broadband solutions like laying fiber optic cables, which can be incredibly expensive in mountainous terrain.
This isn't about launching satellites tomorrow; it's about gathering solid data. The findings are meant to give lawmakers and the ARC a clear picture of whether investing in satellite broadband is a smart move for Appalachia's future, potentially bridging the digital divide that holds back many communities in the region.