Proving that bipartisanship is still alive and well in Washington DC and that rural consumers have a voice during this pandemic, Senator Klobuchar (D-MN), fresh off the Presidential campaign trail paired up with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to introduce key legislation earlier this week. The Keeping Critical Connections Act was introduced with the intent of helping small broadband providers ensure that broadband connectivity for their rural consumers, students and now-online workers would be maintained during the Coronavirus pandemic duration. And then in a bicameral effort, Congressmen Welch (D-VT) and Roger Marshall (D-KS) introduced a campaign bill in the U.S. House of Representatives a few days later.
The heart of the legislation will appropriate $2 billion for a fund to be established at the FCC that would compensate small broadband providers with fewer than 250,000 customers for broadband services so long as they are providing free or discounted broadband services or upgrades during the pandemic for those who cannot afford to pay their bills – or given the large number of school children now all trying to maintain their lessons at home – will provide support for students needing access to study from home.
Senator Klobuchar noted that access to high speed internet is critical for students and their families at this time and “The Keeping Critical Connections Act would help small broadband providers continue offering free or discounted broadband services to families and students in rural areas to ensure they remain connected to school, work, and their communities during this period of economic turmoil caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.” Cramer added “The federal government asked this essential industry to keep providing assistance to people during COVID-19, and they answered the call. The least we can do is make sure they are made whole when this pandemic is over.”
NTCA and our members greatly appreciate the leadership of all these Members of Congress. Including those who have also signed on to the Senate legislation including: Senators Smith (MN), Sullivan (AK), Baldwin (WI), Daines (MT), Jones (AL), Murkowski (AK), Tester (MT), Barrasso (WY), Roberts (KS), Rosen (NV) Young (IN) and Peters (MI). More to follow on the House cosponsors.
NTCA’s membership – small, community-based broadband providers – are highly motivated to keep all of their friends and neighbors connected. Now more than ever, the ability to telework, study from home and access critical medical services via telemedicine is essential. This legislation during wild economic gyrations, will help keep more Americans online in the face of this distress, sustaining connections that are becoming more critical by the day.
As I work in my various remote offices around my house…the kitchen counter, the back room couch, sometimes the study (that’s really Don’s place to concentrate with piles of files around him….lawyers!), I am so grateful for the collaborative work among NTCA membership and policy committees for being proactive and looking for solutions instead of problems during these challenging times – that is how legislation like Keeping Critical Connections are introduced…and with support and persistence….become law!