Bipartisan team presents bill to improve access to broadband in America’s rural areas

In an effort to expand broadband access in America’s rural areas, U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO),  joined Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in introducing the bipartisan Streamlining and Investing in Broadband Infrastructure Act last week.

The legislation would reduce federal regulations and other red tape on the development of broadband infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

“Access to broadband is access to the modern economy,” Gardner, a member of the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee said. “This bill would make federal construction projects more efficient by encouraging simultaneous construction of transportation and broadband infrastructure. In addition, the bill would build on my efforts to encourage faster deployment of broadband infrastructure on federal lands.”

The bill promotes a “dig once” policy, which would include broadband infrastructure in new and expanding highway projects that are federally funded, while also further streamlining broadband infrastructure development on various federal lands and properties.

“Continued rural economic development depends on expanded broadband Internet access, and I’m proud to support this effort to ensure that expansion happens,” Gardner said. 

The pending legislation seems to have garnered the support of Jonathan Edelstein, president of the Wireless Infrastructure Association. During a recent hearing to review the issue, Adelstein noted the bill was a “fantastic idea… important for rural and urban areas alike.”