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Digital Equity

The COVID-19 pandemic has increasingly shifted many parts of personal and professional life online, calling further attention to issues of digital equity, which has emerged as a key priority for the Coalition. As broadband is regularly used for school, work and telehealth services, affordable high-speed internet is essential for healthcare access as well as day-to-day parts of life. Yet, estimates show that more than 30 million Americans, the majority of whom live on Tribal lands or in other rural areas, do not have access to broadband infrastructure that delivers reliable service. The Coalition highlights policies that work to close this digital divide, especially as the pandemic continues to affect life across the country.

Resources and Information

Anna Eshoo

Community Broadband Act

H.R. 2552 - Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA)

    • Introduced on 4/10/23

    • 21 Co-Sponsors as of 3/18/24

​S.1197 - Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)

    • Introduced on 4/19/23

    • 5 Co-Sponsors as of 3/18/24

Cory Booker

Description

The bill would: 

  • Bridge the digital divide by allowing local communities to ensure their residents have broadband access through expanded public-private partnerships and locally-owned broadband systems. 

  • Currently, 21 states have passed laws that either restrict or outright prohibit local communities from investing local dollars in building their own broadband networks. 

  • Nullify laws in 21 states that either restrict or outright prohibit local communities from investing local dollars in building their own broadband networks. 

  • Preserve the local right to self-determination in connecting communities and allowing residents better access to high-quality internet services for school, work and telehealth needs.

Status

  • The bills were referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Additional Information

Contact

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