Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the House unanimously passed the ACCESS BROADBAND Act, legislation that Congresswoman Elise Stefanik cosponsored. This bipartisan bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth to expand broadband access to underserved, rural areas.
“Increasing access to broadband in a rural district like mine is critical to our North Country economy and school systems,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The ACCESS Broadband Act streamlines the system by creating an office dedicated to expanding access to broadband so that communities can grow and thrive. The passage of this bipartisan legislation is a significant step in the right direction for the North Country, and I applaud the House for coming together to support it.”
The Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth will:
- Connect with communities that need access to high-speed internet and improved digital inclusion efforts
- Hold regional workshops to share best practices and effective strategies for promoting broadband access and adoption
- Develop targeted broadband training and presentations for various demographic communities through media
- Track construction and use of any broadband infrastructure built using federal support.
- Develop and distribute publications providing guidance to communities for expanding broadband access and adoption
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