Rep. Debbie Dingell Advocates for Broadband Expansion on Federal Lands

Modernizing Broadband Permitting

• 💡 Rep. Debbie Dingell is leading bipartisan legislation, the Facilitating Digital Applications Act, to improve broadband permitting processes on federal lands.
• 🎯 The goal is to create an effective, transparent, and efficient process for deploying broadband quickly and equitably.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• 🚀 The bill requires NTIA to report on whether the Departments of Interior and Agriculture have established an online portal for broadband deployment applications.
• 💻 It aims to move the current outdated paper-based Form 299 process online, modernizing federal permitting into the 21st century.
• 📈 NTIA administrator will be directed to update Congress every 60 days on progress and encountered obstacles.

Benefits of Streamlining

• ⚡ By streamlining the process, the legislation seeks to reduce federal delays, improve application transparency, and accelerate broadband and cell service expansion.
• 🏘️ This is particularly critical for rural areas where reliable connectivity is often lacking and where the current system "stinks sometimes."
• 🛠️ The modernization will have a real impact for providers, especially smaller ones trying to expand service in rural areas.
• ✅ The ultimate aim is to help provide better service for people who need it the most, addressing the long wait rural communities have experienced for reliable internet and cell service.