Wicker sponsors Connecting Minority Communities Act to close digital divide

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on Aug. 4 proposed a bill to establish the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

“Closing the digital divide remains a top priority for the Commerce Committee, but too many minority communities remain unconnected,” said Sen. Wicker, chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “The new Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives would focus federal efforts to address this challenge.”

Sen. Wicker sponsored the Connecting Minority Communities Act, S. 4422, with lead cosponsor U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), which would codify the existing Minority Broadband Initiative at the NTIA in a new Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives.

If enacted, S. 4422 also would create a pilot program to provide $100 million in grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to expand access to local broadband and digital opportunities, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Wicker’s office. 

Specifically, the grants under S. 4422 could be used to purchase broadband service and broadband equipment or to compensate information technology personnel, facilitate online learning, or operate a small business or non-profit, the summary says.

Partnering with HBCUs, TCUs and HSIs, said Sen. Wicker, “would help further economic development where it is needed most.” 

Among several other provisions, S. 4422 also would task the new Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives to work with federal agencies on determining how to expand access to broadband and other digital opportunities in communities surrounding HBCUs, TCUs, and HSIs, and to then work with them, as well as with state and local governments, the public and stakeholders, to expand broadband access and digital literacy in those communities, according to the bill summary.

“I look forward to seeing this important measure advance,” Sen. Wicker said.