S. 1190 Connect the Nation Act

On April 24, 2007, Sen Dick Durbin (D-IL)introduced legislation, (S. 1190) the Connected Nation Act of 2007, to encourage the rapid deployment of high-quality, affordable broadband internet service, especially in rural areas. The legislation creates a matching grant program to be administered through the Department of Commerce to assist statewide or regional public-private partnerships increase broadband access, map resources and build demand.

Durbin's legislation is modeled on public-private partnerships now functioning successfully in Kentucky, North Carolina and a few other states. Sen Durbin noted that this type of approach is one of the few successful models that bring together providers, advocates, and units of government. Proprietary information can be protected and detailed maps can be developed, which is an important first step to building out broadband networks. In addition, the model creates a statewide or regional clearinghouse of technical assistance, grant writing, and demand building expertise.

Sen Durbin said his bill creates a competitive, matching grant program (with 80% of the funding from the federal government and the remaining 20% coming from state funds) for eligible statewide public-private partnerships to evaluate current access and use, build detailed maps of service and create demand through grassroots teams. Grant applications would be reviewed through a peer review process and eligible entities would be limited to four years of participation. Collaboration is required between state agencies, service providers, and the relevant labor organizations, and community organizations to be considered eligible. Durbin's bill would provide a total of $40 million per year for the program.