Sen Thune Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Advance Rural Broadband Services

Sens John Thune (R-SD), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) cosponsored the Rural Connectivity Advancement Program (RCAP) Act of 2021, legislation that would dedicate a portion of proceeds from congressionally mandated spectrum auctions to be used for the buildout of broadband networks, which would help strengthen connectivity in rural communities throughout the country. The bill would:

• Set aside 10 percent of the net proceeds from spectrum auctions mandated by Congress for the buildout of broadband networks;
• Require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to utilize the funds provided by RCAP to address gaps that remain in broadband internet access service coverage in high-cost rural areas;
• Allow the FCC to use the funds provided by RCAP in a technology-neutral manner to address shortfalls insufficient funding of existing USF High-Cost Programs for the buildout of broadband services;
• Require the FCC to consider the broadband internet access service needs of residents of tribal lands; and
• Require the FCC to produce an annual report on the distribution of funds established under this act.