Rep. Eshoo Introduces Legislation to Update National Broadband Plan

Rep Anna Eshoo (D-CA) introduced the National Broadband Plan for the Future Act, legislation that instructs the Federal Communications Commission to update the National Broadband Plan to expand internet access across the US and study how the coronavirus pandemic has changed the online lives of Americans. “Universal access to reliable, affordable, and high-quality internet is essential in today’s world, and it’s especially needed as we conduct more of our personal and professional lives online during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Rep. Anna G. Eshoo. “Updating our decade-old National Broadband Plan is fundamental for policymakers to develop strategic, holistic, and thoughtful solutions to deliver universal access to broadband.” The National Broadband Plan for the Future Act is companion legislation to S. 4022, which was introduced by Sen Ed Markey (D-MA).

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 required the creation of the original National Broadband Plan, which set out a comprehensive roadmap for providing universal internet connectivity. Ten years later, the National Broadband Plan for the Future Act requires the FCC to assess the nation’s progress against the original Plan, provide detailed proposals to further expand internet access, and analyze how Americans’ unprecedented reliance on broadband during the coronavirus pandemic will shape the country moving forward.