Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a process for evaluating companies seeking funding for broadband deployment in rural areas. The FCC must develop specific criteria and standards for applicants, including technical, financial, and operational capabilities, and a business plan. It also mandates that the FCC consider an applicant’s past compliance with other government funding programs and establish penalties for failing to meet requirements before receiving support.
Key provisions
- The FCC must establish a vetting process for applicants seeking high-cost universal service program funding.
- Applicants must demonstrate technical, financial, and operational capabilities and a business plan.
- The FCC must evaluate proposals against reasonable technical standards and an applicant’s compliance history.
- The FCC will set financial penalties for applicants who default before receiving funding.
Who is affected
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Broadband providers
- Rural communities
- Telecommunications companies
- Applicants for broadband funding
Notable changes
- Requires the FCC to establish a formal vetting process for broadband funding applications.
- Introduces specific requirements for applicants to demonstrate their capabilities.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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2 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
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