Rep O'Halleran Introduces the Broadband Adoption and Opportunity Act, to Connect Students and Families with Computers

Rep Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) introduced the Broadband Adoption and Opportunity Act: bipartisan legislation to leverage public-private partnerships to refurbish internet-capable devices for students and underserved families through donation, lending, or low-cost purchasing programs. The bill is cosponsored by Rep Bill Johnson (R-OH).

Public-private partnerships outlined in the bill will participate in a five-year pilot program within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The legislation also directs NTIA to work with states, tribes, and the Federal Communications Commission to develop best practices to increase broadband adoption rates among underserved groups, increase awareness about current low-cost broadband programs, and expand technical training programs for individuals to learn how to use internet-capable devices.