Collins introduces rural broadband expansion legislation

U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) on Nov. 14 unveiled a bipartisan bill that would provide tax benefits for investments in Gigabit Opportunity Zones located in financially disadvantaged communities around the nation.

Rep. Collins sponsored the Gigabit Opportunity Act, H.R. 5082, with eight original cosponsors, including lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), to ramp up private investments in broadband expansion across America’s rural areas.

“High-speed internet access has become a prerequisite for economic growth in America, yet many of our neighbors struggle to gain reliable access to broadband,” Rep. Collins said. “By concentrating private investment in low-income areas, the Gigabit Opportunity Act will open the door for these communities to succeed in our 21st-century economy.”

If enacted, H.R. 5082 would permit governors to designate one-fourth of their state’s low-income communities as Gigabit Opportunities Zones and would provide tax incentives for companies to invest in gigabit-capable broadband expansion within these zones, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Collins’ office.

H.R. 5082 also would aim to encourage states, counties and residents to voluntarily adopt a uniform broadband deployment plan to expedite gigabit-capable rollout, the summary says.

The measure has been referred to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee for consideration.