Rep Walden, Chairman Wicker Release Broadband Connectivity and Digital Equity Framework

House Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) released principles for a legislative framework to expand broadband access and digital opportunity and close the digital divide. This framework would serve as a foundation for legislative efforts related to the COVID-19 economic recovery, modernizing the nation’s communications infrastructure, allowing all Americans, regardless of where they live, to participate in the digital economy, and enhancing US network security, reliability, and resiliency. The Broadband Connectivity and Digital Equity Framework would:

1. Close the digital divide

• Authorize funding to complete accurate broadband mapping efforts and deploy broadband quickly in areas throughout the United States to make sure all Americans are connected;
• Ensure that children have access to be able to complete their homework remotely;
• Establish programs so that anyone experiencing economic hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic remains connected and knows what resources are available;
• Expand broadband access and digital opportunity in minority communities to promote digital equity; and,
• Work with our nation’s carriers, who have worked tirelessly to keep Americans connected during the COVID pandemic, to make sure they are able to continue responding to their consumers quickly and safely.

2. Provide regulatory relief through streamlining permitting processes for telecommunications infrastructure and equipment 

3. Enhance public health, safety, and network security

• Authorizing funding to fully implement the Secure and Trusted Communications Act, Public Law No: 116-124, and invest in the deployment of open radio access network technologies;
• Investing in our 9-1-1 communications infrastructure; and,
• Ensuring that the Federal Communications Commission’s telehealth program has the necessary resources to make sure health care facilities have the appropriate technologies to treat patients remotely.