Bill Looks To Ease Regulatory Burden On Rural Broadband Providers

Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Joni Ernst of Iowa have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding broadband access in rural America. The two say they look to reduce regulatory requirements for small telecommunications providers, via the Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports, or ACCESS Rural America Act.

The legislation would allow certain rural telecommunications companies to submit streamlined financial reports and exempt them from some Securities and Exchange Commission registration and reporting requirements.

Supporters said the changes would lower compliance costs for small providers that often serve as the sole broadband option in rural communities.

“Many of the Securities and Exchange Commission registration and reporting requirements were written with large, publicly traded firms in mind and can create significant compliance burdens on smaller, locally owned companies that don’t have the same resources,” said NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association CEO Mike Romano. “NTCA and its members appreciate Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their leadership in introducing the ACCESS Rural America Act, which recognizes these challenges and helps small providers focus on their core mission of building and sustaining the advanced broadband networks that their communities depend upon.”

Baldwin said the bill would help local providers expand affordable, high-speed internet service, while Ernst said it would reduce paperwork and allow companies to focus on connecting rural residents, farmers, students and businesses.

Supporters argue the legislation would free resources for broadband deployment and help strengthen connectivity in underserved rural areas.

Click Here to read the bipartisan legislation for yourself.

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