The PLAN for Broadband Act would require the federal government to take a coordinated, cross-agency approach to expanding and improving broadband access. Specifically, it directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a National Strategy to Close the Digital Divide within one year, in consultation with a broad set of federal agencies. The Strategy would aim to better manage and coordinate federal broadband programs, streamline easement and land-use processes on federal property for broadband infrastructure, and lower barriers for states, local governments, and Tribal communities to participate in federal programs. Following the Strategy, the bill requires a detailed Implementation Plan within 120 days, with concrete steps for managing programs, holding agencies accountable, coordinating permitting processes, improving data and reporting, reducing waste and duplication, and increasing awareness and participation in federal programs. A Government Accountability Office review would assess whether the Strategy and Implementation Plan are effective, and Congress would receive regular briefings on progress. The measure relies on existing authorities and emphasizes transparency, public input, and avoiding changes to FCC authority.
Key Points
- 1National Strategy and coordination: Requires the Assistant Secretary to develop a Strategy within 1 year that unifies and coordinates federal broadband programs, improves interagency cooperation, and streamlines permitting for broadband infrastructure on federal property.
- 2Program inventory and gaps: The Strategy must list all federal, state, and local broadband programs, identify coordination gaps and legal barriers, and set clear roles, goals, and performance measures for federal management and interagency work.
- 3Barriers and participation: The Strategy and Implementation Plan should reduce costs and administrative burdens for state/local/Tribal governments, propose incentives and actions to improve coordination and reduce duplication, and address Tribal lands and cross-border economic development participation.
- 4Implementation Plan requirements: Within 120 days of submitting the Strategy, an Implementation Plan must outline how goals will be achieved, accountability measures, interagency roles, regular meetings, public engagement, standardized data and application processes for funding, and anti-waste/fraud controls.
- 5Public input and oversight: The bill calls for public comment on the Implementation Plan and requires regular congressional briefings on progress; a GAO study will evaluate effectiveness and provide recommendations within a year of plan implementation.