What does Preamble of Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 do?

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a vetting process for applicants seeking funding from high-cost universal service programs.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

What does VETTING PROCESS FOR PROSPECTIVE HIGH-COST UNIVERSAL SERVICE of Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a vetting process for applicants and recipients of high-cost universal service program funding. The term 'covered funding' is defined as any new offer of high-cost universal service program funding, including funding provided through a reverse competitive bidding mechanism. A 'new covered funding award' is defined as an award made based on an application submitted to the Commission on or after the date rules are promulgated under paragraph (2). The Commission is required to initiate a rulemaking proceeding within 180 days of the subsection's enactment to establish this vetting process. Applicants must demonstrate technical, financial, and operational capabilities, and possess a reasonable business plan, to deploy the proposed network and deliver services. The Commission will evaluate proposals against reasonable technical, financial, and operational standards, including those adopted in orders related to the Digital Opportunity Data Collection. The Commission will also consider an applicant's history of complying with requirements in broadband deployment funding programs. Penalties for pre-authorization defaults are set at a minimum of $9,000 per violation, with a base forfeiture not less than 30 percent of the applicant's total support, unless the Commission demonstrates a need for lower penalties.

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Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

Last updated: 4/29/2025 · Introduced: 3/27/2025

Author: Erin Houchin (R-IN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill mandates the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a vetting process for applicants seeking funding from high-cost universal service programs.
Applicants seeking such funding must demonstrate technical, financial, and operational capabilities, alongside a reasonable business plan, to deploy and deliver broadband services.
The bill establishes penalties, starting at $9,000 per violation, for applicants who default on funding commitments before authorization.

119th Congresspassed houseHR. 1768(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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