UPDATE U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) introduced the Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act to help deploy rural broadband. The legislation would require what lawmakers say are the largest financial beneficiaries of the networks, edge providers such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, and Netflix, contribute proportionally toward the networks that are built and maintained by the FCC’s Universal Service Fund and by consumers who own landlines.
“Access to high-speed internet is critical to our economic growth in rural communities. Families, farmers, and businesses across rural Iowa go to great lengths to collect and deploy the necessary funds to build reliable, affordable broadband. However, Big Tech companies use these networks once completed but rarely contribute their fair share towards the cost,” said Feenstra in a press release.
“Strong broadband networks are vital to connect Americans to the internet and to each other,” said Leger Fernandez. “This bipartisan bill will help sustain our rural broadband networks and make sure that the big corporations that profit from those networks also contribute to them. Let’s close the digital divide.”
The House bill that mirrors the Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025 (S.1651) was introduced by Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) in May, Inside Towers reported.
Supporters include US Telecom – The Broadband Association, WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, the Rural Wireless Association and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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