Infrastructure Bill Passed by Senate Includes Historic, Bipartisan Broadband Provisions

A sweeping $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill passed by the Senate on Aug. 10 would invest $65 billion in fast and reliable broadband infrastructure, affordability, and adoption. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also would provide hundreds of billions of dollars for roads, high-speed rail, and other projects. The Senate measure, awaiting action by the House, represents a historic moment in national broadband policy; the size and scope of the proposed investment acknowledge the challenges at hand and how critical high-speed internet access is to ensure America’s economic future. The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced millions to work, attend school, and conduct much of their lives online, has driven home that fast, reliable, and affordable broadband is a key component of the nation’s infrastructure. The bulk of the broadband funds in the bill —$42.5 billion–would be used to establish the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEADP) to be administered by the Department of Commerce. The program would provide states with funds for broadband deployment and digital equity, as well as with support to help them meet congressional funding requirements. Establishing the BEADP would continue a noteworthy shift in federal broadband policy that started last year with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. Both programs administer funds through states and make clear that the federal stimulus money can be used for broadband and related connectivity needs.