Iowa Third District Congresswoman Cindy Axne is backing proposed legislation that would invest over $90 billion to improve broadband access in rural communities across the country.
Axne and the members of the House Rural Broadband Task Force have reaffirmed their goal of closing the digital divide and extending affordable high-speed internet to all communities by introducing The Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act. Axne recently told KMA Radio that the bill includes $80 billion over five years to deploy high-speed broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas. Additionally, she says it provides funding to shore up internet services in a number of categories.
“In that $80 billion, we’ve got $2 billion for schools and libraries,” said Axne, “$6 billion for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. That helps our low-income households for broadband services. There’s more than a billion to encourage adoption and ensure that people have the tools to benefit from broadband. So, we’re going to get this done.”
Axne says the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have been a stark case study on the need for affordable high-speed internet.
“I think seeing all the issues with remote learning, telehealth appointments, keeping businesses going with on-line orders, or literally just getting to those government services people have needed during this time has shown how critical the internet’s been.” she said.
The legislation has the vocal support from many broadband advocates, including Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, the Communications Workers of America (CWA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, and the Student Internet Equity Coalition.
“This is just like electricity back in the day,” said Axne. “To continue to have to keep talking about this seems like it should have been done ages ago. It?s time to move this bill through. This is something we’re going to push out of the House, and we need to, hopefully, have the Senate help us move this agenda forward.”
The full text of The Accessible, Affordable Internet For All Act is available here.
