WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) has introduced the Bridging the Broadband Gap Act, a new legislative effort aimed at addressing the growing need for affordable and accessible broadband in rural communities. This bill seeks to streamline the process of expanding broadband access in rural areas through satellite and fixed-wireless technology, particularly targeting under-served regions in Southern Ohio.
The Bridging the Broadband Gap Act proposes to use funds from the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to cover 50% of the initial cost of a satellite or fixed-wireless receiver, along with a $30 subsidy for each monthly service bill for the first year. This measure aims to make broadband more affordable for rural families, farmers, and businesses. The bill would also prioritize counties with the lowest per capita income for service, ensuring that those in the most economically disadvantaged areas benefit first.
“Despite over $42 billion allocated for rural broadband through the BEAD Program, the bureaucratic red tape has prevented a single household from being connected. Rural communities, especially in Southern Ohio, continue to be left behind,” said Congressman Taylor. “While fiber internet is important, it could take years to establish it everywhere. My bill will help bring broadband to rural America now, using satellite and fixed-wireless options, as we continue to develop the necessary infrastructure.”
The Bridging the Broadband Gap Act also amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in 2021. It authorizes the use of current federal funds allocated to the BEAD Program to provide broadband vouchers to households in need. This would enable states to quickly implement broadband access for residents in rural areas, using funds already designated for the initiative.
In Ohio’s Second Congressional District, thirteen out of sixteen counties rank among the lowest 50% in per capita income. The bill would ensure that these areas are prioritized for broadband service, addressing a critical need for rural families and businesses to stay connected to the modern economy.
The full text of the bill is available [here].
Background:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law on November 15, 2021, includes $1.2 trillion in funding for various infrastructure projects, with $42.5 billion allocated to the BEAD Program to connect rural America to broadband. However, due to bureaucratic challenges and complex requirements, the program has faced significant delays in delivering broadband to rural communities. Congressman Taylor’s Bridging the Broadband Gap Act seeks to reform the program, ensuring that rural Americans get the broadband access they need as quickly as possible.
