Rep Pfluger Introduces Bill to Expand Broadband Access

Reps August Pfluger (R-TX-11) and Darren Soto (D-FL-09) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to improve transparency and efficiency in the broadband deployment process, which will help close the digital divide for rural Americans. The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to submit a comprehensive plan to Congress within 180 days detailing how the agency will track the acceptance, processing, and disposal of broadband permitting applications on federal lands. These applications are essential for accessing easements and rights-of-way to build or maintain telecommunications infrastructure. Through this legislation, the NTIA will also be responsible for detailing how they will quickly implement their plan and any potential barriers they could face.