news

Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) today reintroduced the bipartisan Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act, legislation that would require National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to periodically report to Congress on whether the Departments of Interior and Agriculture have established an online portal for the acceptance, processing, and disposal of the common form application to deploy a communications facility on federal property. This will help expedite and improve tracking of broadband deployment on federal lands.

“In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we passed once-in-a-generation investments to upgrade connectivity infrastructure and improve access to broadband for all Americans as we live in an increasingly connected world,” Dingell said. “We need to make thoughtful, targeted improvements to permitting applications that will ensure we have an effective, streamlined system in place to deploy the benefits of these laws. The Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act will assist in modernizing our system for accepting, processing, and disposing applications to establish new communications facilities and infrastructure, helping us to get these important projects underway and reaching the people who most need them more efficiently.”

"Expanding broadband access has been one of my top priorities since coming to Congress because every American—no matter where they live—deserves reliable, high-speed internet. The pandemic highlighted the stark digital divide between rural and urban communities, exposing the urgent need for a more efficient permitting process." said Miller-Meeks. "This bill will cut through bureaucratic red tape, streamline broadband deployment on federal lands, and help ensure rural communities and urban deserts can access the opportunities that come with reliable connectivity."

“Far too many Americans are still unable to access reliable broadband, depriving them of the opportunity to fully participate in the digital economy," said Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. "Ensuring they get service often requires navigating an opaque federal broadband permitting process. I commend Representatives Miller-Meeks and Dingell for their bill to improve transparency so we can deploy broadband more quickly and, in turn, help close the digital divide.” 

Text of the bill may be found here.