Rep Bergman Introduces Rural Broadband Window of Opportunity Act

Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) introduced the Rural Broadband Window of Opportunity Act to level the playing field for broadband expansion in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Specifically, the bill would require the Federal Communications Commission to prioritize the processing of broadband expansion applications located in areas with shorter build seasons. Over the coming months, the FCC will be reviewing applications and other relevant documents submitted by service providers who are seeking to receive federal funding for broadband infrastructure buildouts through the $9.2 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I (RDOF). Communities in Michigan’s First District are slated to receive a large portion of these funds, which will be implemented by service providers over the next 10 years. However, it is important for these service providers to begin building out their networks as soon as possible to not only meet their program obligations but simply to get unserved and underserved communities connected as soon as possible.  For this reason, the Rural Broadband Window of Opportunity Act would ensure the applications for buildouts in areas with limited construction seasons, such as due to long and snowy winters, are processed faster than others. Any bureaucratic delays would have greater negative consequences in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula than in areas with more temperate climates.