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Rural Broadband Universal Access Act
This legislation designates broadband internet as essential infrastructure and creates a $30 billion fund to build last-mile fiber connections to every unserved household in America within 5 years, with speed minimums of 100/100 Mbps and affordability requirements.
Discussion (6)
This needs a sunset clause. Pass it as a 5-year pilot and evaluate results before making it permanent.
I propose adding explicit protections to prevent misuse beyond the original intent.
Add explicit scope limitations
+ Proposed Text
New Section 9: "Nothing herein authorizes action beyond enumerated purposes. Implementing regulations require notice-and-comment rulemaking."
This is long overdue. Other countries have had similar policies for years and the results speak for themselves.
The concept is sound but costs may be significantly higher than estimated based on my analysis.
I propose adding a phased implementation schedule to make this more practical.
Add phased implementation timeline
+ Proposed Text
Section 3 amended: "Implementation in three phases over 36 months — Phase 1: entities over 500 employees; Phase 2: 100-500; Phase 3: all remaining."
Transparency and reporting requirements should be expanded significantly.
Expand transparency and reporting
+ Proposed Text
Section 6 amended: "Implementing agencies shall publish quarterly progress reports on a public website with outcome metrics and expenditures."