On 25th Anniversary of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Sen Markey and Rep Eshoo Reintroduce National Broadband Plan for the Future Act

Sen Edward Markey (D-MA) and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) reintroduced of the National Broadband Plan for the Future Act, legislation that instructs the Federal Communications Commission to update the National Broadband Plan and develop an updated roadmap for achieving universal connectivity. The introduction coincides with tomorrow’s 25th anniversary of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which catalyzed the market competition and broadband deployment that has transformed American life in the 21st century. Senator Markey was the principal Democratic author of the 1996 Act while serving in the House of Representatives. Sen Markey also authored language in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that mandated the original National Broadband Plan, which set out a comprehensive roadmap for providing universal internet connectivity. The new legislation would require the FCC to assess the nation’s progress in deploying broadband infrastructure since that original plan was created, as well as develop a refreshed roadmap for closing the digital divide that incorporates the latest technologies and lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, the National Broadband Plan for the Future Act requires the FCC to develop detailed strategies for how connectivity can be used to advance racial justice, socioeconomic equity, consumer welfare, public safety, health care, education, and more.