Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Connecting Our Neighbors to Networks and Ensuring Competitive Telecommunications (CONNECT) Act of 2023. The goal is to make it easier for smaller telcos to apply for the USDA’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program.
While ReConnect provides broadband funding for eligible rural areas, the application process can be complicated and prohibitively expensive for small providers, say the lawmakers. The bill ensures federal funding reaches rural communities faster by shortening required permitting deadlines.
Reps. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) will introduce companion legislation in the House. “Broadband is the essential infrastructure of the 21st century. It’s time Washington made federal programs easier to access for small providers–who are most attuned to the needs of their customers–and strengthened support for local governments, nonprofit organizations, and cooperatives seeking to provide internet service to rural residents,” said Bennet.
“The USDA’s ReConnect Program has already helped bridge the digital divide in North Carolina, but the application process remains complicated and expensive. This makes it harder for small rural providers to get projects approved,” said Budd.
Specifically, the CONNECT Act would:
- Establish an Office of Technical Assistance to aid eligible providers with application forms;
- Create a mini-grant program offering grants up to $20,000 for small providers;
- Prioritize applications from local governments, nonprofit organizations, or cooperatives;
- Designate rural areas that receive broadband service via non-wireline technology as eligible for ReConnect funding;
- Shorten certain permitting deadlines for USDA-funded broadband projects from 270 to 180 days;
- Create an interagency Broadband Council to recommend uniform speed and application requirements for federal programs; and
- Expand federal easements for certain electric utilities to enable them to lease existing fiber capacity.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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