CBO Scores Broadband DATA Act

The Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act (S. 1822) would require the Federal Communications Commission to collect detailed data twice a year on the availability of broadband internet access services. That data would be reported by providers of those broadband services. Under the bill, the FCC would establish and maintain a comprehensive database and create detailed and publicly available broadband coverage maps. The bill also would require the FCC to develop processes for any person or entity to submit broadband availability data to verify or challenge the FCC’s database or maps. Using information from the FCC about the scope and complexity of the required work, CBO estimates that the FCC would spend $28 million over the 2020-2021 period to issue rules, establish reporting requirements, and hire contractors to establish a comprehensive broadband database and maps. CBO estimates that maintaining and updating the database and maps would cost about $9 million a year starting in 2021. In total, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would have a gross cost of $65 million over the 2020-2024 period. However, the FCC is authorized to collect fees sufficient to offset the costs of its regulatory activities each year; therefore, CBO estimates that the net effect on discretionary spending for those activities would be insignificant, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority.

S. 1822 contains private-sector mandates but CBO cannot determine the cost for broadband providers to comply with the bill’s requirements. The bill contains no intergovernmental mandates.