Senators Gillibrand, Capito introduce bipartisan legislation to close rural digital divide

Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program Act, a bipartisan bill that aims to close the digital divide in rural America. The bill would provide new federal grants for high-speed broadband and double the Rural Utility Service broadband program funding to $50 million. The increased federal support will expand the resources available to rural areas and tribal communities for building high-speed broadband infrastructure.

“Reliable, fast internet access isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity in the 21st century economy,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “Lack of affordable broadband service cuts off families and businesses from critical services. The Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program Act would give our rural communities access to the resources they need to get online and stay competitive in our digital economy.”

More than 34 million rural households lack access to high-speed Internet. Legislation like this is vital to reduce the huge costs of building broadband infrastructure to rural communities, closing the digital divide, and fostering digital equality.

Links:

Senators Gillibrand, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Help Close Broadband Gap In Rural Areas (US Senate, Sept. 28, 2016)

Senators Introduce Rural Broadband Bill (Broadcasting & Cable, Sept. 28, 2016)