The Rural Broadband Modernization Act amends the ReConnect program to ensure that broadband projects are eligible for federal loans and grants based on performance standards rather than the specific technology used. The bill requires that funded projects provide internet speeds of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream, while prohibiting agencies from denying or deprioritizing applications because they use terrestrial, non-terrestrial, or low-Earth orbit satellite systems. This change directly affects rural communities and service providers by allowing a wider range of delivery methods to compete for funding. Additionally, the law mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture publish public reports on awarded projects within 30 days and issue final implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment.
The Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop a comprehensive strategy for promoting global adoption of Wi-Fi and unlicensed wireless technologies, with a specific focus on the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference in Shanghai. This plan must be created in coordination with multiple federal agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of State, and must include strategies to counter efforts by foreign adversaries to undermine U.S. technological leadership. The legislation mandates that the government seek public input during the planning process and submit a progress report to Congress within 90 days after the conference concludes.
The 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026 directs the Federal Communications Commission to study how to require callers to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to send their precise location information to emergency responders. This requirement would primarily affect telecommunications companies, 911 service providers, and crisis centers that currently handle calls from users who may not be able to verbally state their address. The bill also asks the Government Accountability Office to produce a report on the legal, technical, and financial challenges of implementing such a system, including considerations for privacy and accessibility for users with hearing loss. By mandating these studies, the legislation aims to gather necessary data before deciding on a policy to ensure callers can be routed to local help more effectively.
The ACCESS Rural America Act exempts small rural telephone companies from specific federal registration requirements for selling securities. To qualify for this exemption, the companies must provide broadband internet access and submit a financial summary to investors that includes subscriber data and key financial statements. The bill applies only to issuers with fewer than 100,000 broadband subscribers and securities held by more than 500 non-accredited investors but fewer than 2,000 total holders. This change aims to simplify the process for these rural providers to raise capital by reducing regulatory burdens.
The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act formally establishes the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) as a test center within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This new entity will serve as a laboratory for the executive branch to study radio frequency emissions, analyze spectrum sharing between federal and non-federal users, and test technologies that enhance electromagnetic spectrum access. Additionally, the bill requires the ITS to launch an initiative focused on developing emergency communication and tracking technologies for locating individuals in confined or shielded environments where standard radio signals fail. To support this goal, the institute will collaborate with private sector partners and other federal agencies to assess needs and create technical standards, with a requirement to submit a progress report to Congress within 18 months of the law's enactment.
The FIREWALL Act prevents the use of federal funds administered by the FCC and NTIA to buy fiber-optic cable from companies owned by designated countries of concern or their officials. This restriction applies to all purchases made 90 days after the law is enacted and covers both solid-core and hollow-core fiber technology. The bill aims to limit financial support for telecommunications infrastructure that could be controlled by foreign adversaries, directly affecting individuals and entities seeking federal funding for cable projects.
The Broadband Infrastructure Extension Act extends the deadline for spending federal funds on broadband infrastructure projects. It directly affects state and local governments that have received money from the Social Security Act's fiscal recovery and capital projects funds. The bill allows these agencies to use the designated money for broadband projects until September 30, 2027, or until January 1, 2028, depending on the specific fund source. This change provides additional time for communities to plan and complete their network upgrades without losing the allocated resources.
This bill directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a comprehensive study on various broadband internet technologies, including fiber-optic cables, satellite systems, and mobile wireless networks. The study will examine specific factors such as workforce needs, deployment costs, internet speed and latency, equipment lifespan, and monthly subscription prices for consumers. The findings will be compiled into a report submitted to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment to inform future policy decisions regarding broadband infrastructure.
This bill directs the U.S. government to create a strategy for maintaining global leadership in Wi-Fi and unlicensed wireless technologies, specifically in preparation for a major international conference in Shanghai in 2027. It requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop a public plan within 180 days that outlines how the United States will advocate for specific spectrum allocations and counter efforts by foreign adversaries to undermine these technologies. The plan must include strategies to coordinate with allies and address actions taken by the Chinese government, with a final report on progress due after the conference concludes.
The Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026 establishes a new nonprofit organization called the Foundation for Digital Opportunity to help communities with low broadband adoption rates gain access to technology and digital skills. This foundation will be funded by raising money from private donors, philanthropic groups, and government entities rather than using direct federal appropriations. It will operate with a diverse board of directors and an executive team to distribute grants, run training programs, and support startups focused on digital inclusion. The bill also allows the foundation to create for-profit subsidiaries to attract investment and requires regular public reporting on its activities and financial status.
