Kinzinger works to expand wireless coverage in rural areas with bipartisan bill

Seeking to expand wireless service for rural communities, a bill from U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) would incentivize wireless internet carriers to make unused spectrum available for smaller carriers.

The Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act, H.R. 1814, would direct the Federal Communications Commission to develop a program that extends for three years the spectrum licenses of wireless carriers that lease unused spectrum to rural and small carriers.

Kinzinger introduced the bill with U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) to encourage collaboration and help close broadband service gaps.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that we expand the wireless coverage to help rural communities overcome the challenges they face,” Kinzinger said. “From small businesses trying to stay competitive in the global market, to the communication needs of farmers, we must make every effort to help these communities reap the full benefits of the technology available to them.”

Loebsack said the future of economic development in Iowa depends on access to the internet and mobility.

“I have met with many small businesses, farmers, and rural telecommunication companies who have stressed the importance of mobile internet access in rural areas,” Loebsack said. He said the measure would increase access to wireless broadband to help boost economic development, education opportunities and job growth in rural areas.