The PLAN for Broadband Act directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a national strategy to synchronize federal broadband programs, improve interagency coordination, and streamline the approval process for broadband infrastructure on federal properties. It also requires agencies to track and improve processing times for communications use applications and sets a minimum project cost for NEPA review of broadband infrastructure projects.
Roger Wicker
Senator
MS
The "PLAN for Broadband Act" directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to develop a National Strategy to Synchronize Federal Broadband Programs, aiming to improve coordination, reduce barriers, and ensure efficient use of funds for high-speed internet access across the U.S. This strategy requires covered agencies to coordinate and streamline the approval process for broadband infrastructure projects on federal properties. The Act also mandates an implementation plan, regular briefings to Congress, and a Government Accountability Office study to assess and improve the strategy's effectiveness. Finally, the Act requires agencies to track application processing times and sets a minimum project cost for NEPA review.
New Bill Aims to Streamline Broadband Rollout, But Projects Over $5M Face Environmental Reviews
The "Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act," or PLAN for Broadband Act, is trying to get everyone on the same page when it comes to getting high-speed internet across the country. The main goal? To make sure federal programs handing out money for broadband aren't stepping on each other's toes, and that the cash is used efficiently to connect everyone, especially folks in rural areas. The bill tasks the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information with cooking up a national strategy within a year to sync up all the different federal broadband programs. (SEC. 3)
Getting Everyone on the Same Page
This bill is all about better coordination. It wants to improve how federal agencies work together on broadband deployment, cut down on red tape, and make sure taxpayer money isn't wasted on overlapping projects. Think of it like this: instead of five different agencies each doing their own thing, they'll finally have a shared playbook. This should, in theory, make it easier for internet service providers to get projects approved and built, especially on federal lands. (SEC. 3 (1-4))
For example, a small internet provider in a rural area won't have to jump through hoops with multiple agencies, each with different rules. This coordinated approach could mean faster internet for farms needing to use precision agriculture, or for students needing reliable connections for online classes. The Act also specifically addresses the digital divide on Tribal lands, requiring a focused approach to close the broadband gap in these communities.(SEC. 3 (13))
Show Me the Money (and the Map)
The bill also focuses on making sure we know where the money is going and that it's being used wisely. It requires agencies to use common data sets and standardized applications when handing out broadband funds, and to use specific maps to avoid funding areas that are already served or have existing obligations. (SEC. 4 (8)) Plus, there's a big emphasis on preventing fraud and misuse of funds, with a plan to monitor and report on wasteful spending. (SEC. 4 (9))
The $5 Million Catch
Here's where things get a little complicated. While the bill aims to streamline things, it also throws in a new requirement: any broadband project costing over $5 million that involves construction will now be subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). (SEC. 9) While environmental reviews are important, they can also add significant time and cost to projects. This could mean delays in getting broadband to some areas, and it might make it harder for smaller companies to compete for bigger projects.
This NEPA review requirement raises a practical question: could some companies try to break up larger projects into smaller, under-$5 million chunks to avoid the extra scrutiny? That's something to keep an eye on. Also, the bill doesn't have strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure the strategy is actually implemented, which means its success will really depend on how well agencies commit to working together. (No specific section addresses enforcement.)
No Rate Regulation, Though
One thing the bill makes very clear: it doesn't give any government entity the power to regulate the rates of broadband internet access service. (SEC. 10) So, while it aims to improve access and affordability, it's not going to tell companies what they can charge.