Subcommittee Advances Walberg's Legislation to Accelerate Broadband Deployment

Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology advanced the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. The legislation, introduced by Congressmen Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA), would implement a national strategy to accelerate the deployment of critical broadband infrastructure across the country.

"As co-chair of the Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus, I understand how current gaps in broadband coverage affect opportunities for families, students, and small businesses," said Rep. Walberg. "The lack of a national broadband strategy has led to duplicative and wasteful efforts that delay the deployment of high-speed broadband across the nation. The PLAN for Broadband Act would increase coordination among all relevant agencies to streamline permitting, identify barriers to deployment, and ensure we can improve connectivity for rural communities. I am glad to see the subcommittee advance this vital legislation so we can bridge the digital divide."

"Millions of Americans still need high-speed internet, but the broadband connection they were promised has yet to reach them. Even in cities like San Diego, one in three households in low-income areas still don't subscribe to home broadband," said Rep. Peters. "We need a comprehensive, national strategy to deploy this funding, connect Americans to high-speed internet, and close the digital divide; and that's exactly what our PLAN for Broadband Act would do."

Background

The PLAN for Broadband Act is based upon a Government Accountability Office report that found that federal broadband efforts are oftentimes fragmented and duplicative. While enough federal funding exists to bridge the digital divide, a national broadband strategy is needed to avoid duplicative efforts and ensure that funds are available to reach the truly unserved and underserved areas. The PLAN for Broadband Act would require the Administration to develop and implement a national strategy to close the digital divide. 

Congressman Walberg serves as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress, visit walberg.house.gov.