WASHINGTON, DC -Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) announced today a series of bills introduced by #SubCommTech members aimed at reducing the regulatory barriers to broadband infrastructure expansion.
H.R. 4795, “Communications Facilities Deployment on Federal Property Act of 2018, " sponsored by Rep. Mimi Walters (R-CA).
* The bill would amend Sec. 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act (47 USC 1455) to require executive agencies to use common application forms and cost-based application fees for easements, rights-of-way, and lease requests, and master contracts for placement of communications facility installations on federal property;
H.R. 4798, “Inventory of Assets for Communications Facilities Act of 2018, " sponsored by Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY).
* Requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to coordinate with the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) to ensure federal agencies include an inventory of assets that can be used to attach or install broadband infrastructure.
* This inventory would be available to communications providers, and include a description of assets, their locations, and a point of contact from each agency for more information on a given asset.
H.R. 4802, “Streamlining and Expediting Approval for Communications Technologies Act, " sponsored by Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL).
* The bill would require the Senior Real Property Officer of covered agencies to track, record, and report on specified data on the applications to locate or modify communications facilities on covered, federal assets.
* The data would include the number of applications submitted, the number of applications approved or denied (including the reason for any denial), and the amount of time and money spent by an agency reviewing applications.
* Each agency’s Senior Real Property Officer would be required to report annually to NTIA on its progress, and NTIA would report to Congress.
“Right now, there are far too many barriers deterring broadband companies from expanding in rural communities. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and complicated. That’s why it’s so important this first round of bills is tackling the issues head on - we’re simplifying federal permits and requirements, and cleaning up redundant and confusing processes. After all, we need to be making it easier, not harder, to expand broadband connectivity to all Americans," said Chairman Blackburn.
The announcement follows the release of an op-ed penned by Chairman Blackburn and Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) outlining the committee’s plan for broadband infrastructure legislation. Members will continue to introduce bills this week.
