Low-Cost Broadband in Senate Bill Sparks Alarm on Rates

The infrastructure bill moving through Congress requires internet service providers to offer a low-cost option, sparking opposition from Senate Commerce Committee Minority Leader Roger Wicker (R-MS) who said the mandate may lead to broadband rate regulation. The measure will require funding recipients to offer a low-cost plan. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration would vet low-cost broadband plans for aspects such as cost and speed of service. The low-cost measure could help families that don’t qualify for company programs yet are strapped for funds. The bill would have states distribute the funds to partners entrusted to build new networks, and it is their joint proposal that would go for approval to NTIA. The bill includes language forbidding the NTIA from setting rates. The infrastructure bill also would create a program to help more low-income households access the internet. Sen Susan Collins (R-Maine) coauthored the provision with Sen Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The bill would give people with low incomes $30 per month to pay for broadband and it would not set prices for low-cost access.