Marino seeks to incentivize private investments in growing rural broadband access

The Rural Broadband Connectivity Act of 2018 unveiled by U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) would amend the nation’s tax code to provide a tax credit to entities that invest in broadband infrastructure offering service in rural areas.

“The Rural Broadband Connectivity Act provides a wide-reaching solution that will serve as a tremendous step forward in bridging the digital divide,” Rep. Marino said.

H.R. 6871, which Rep. Marino introduced on Sept. 25, would support broadband deployment in rural unserved and underserved areas, according to a statement released by the congressman’s office, and spur more private investment in broadband deployment in Marino’s 10th Congressional District and around the country.

“This legislation will spur efforts to unleash private capital to ensure that no American is left behind the opportunity curve based on where they live,” said the lawmaker. “By unleashing private capital and channeling those funds correctly, we can ensure the build out of infrastructure to provide connectivity to our rural citizens.”

More access to connectivity in rural areas is critical, according to Rep. Marino, but entities need tax breaks to encourage them to invest in the infrastructure located in such areas, where oftentimes there aren’t large numbers of people signing up for broadband service.

“More connectivity means better living standards that will provide modern teleworking, telemedicine, digital learning, and allow our agricultural producers access to innovation that will benefit them in the fields,” said Rep. Marino, who was joined in introducing H.R. 6871 by four Republican original cosponsors.

H.R. 6871 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.