In a significant step toward bridging the digital divide, the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the ACCESS Rural America Act, a bipartisan bill designed to expand internet access in rural areas by easing regulatory requirements for small broadband providers. Co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), the legislation aims to streamline operations for rural telecommunications companies, enabling them to focus on delivering high-speed internet to underserved communities.
The ACCESS Rural America Act will exempt small telecommunications companies from certain public registration and reporting requirements mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). By reducing these regulatory hurdles, the legislation is expected to lower costs and administrative burdens, making it easier for small providers to invest in and expand rural broadband networks.
The Need for Rural Broadband Expansion
Millions of Americans in rural areas still lack reliable internet access, a gap that affects education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nearly 14.5 million Americans in rural areas lack access to broadband speeds of at least 25 Mbps. “Expanding rural broadband isn’t just about connectivity—it’s about creating opportunity,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “By reducing burdensome regulations on small providers, we can help ensure that more families, farms, and businesses have access to high-speed internet.” The legislation aligns with ongoing efforts by federal and state governments to expand broadband infrastructure and improve digital inclusion in underserved areas.
Key Provisions of the ACCESS Rural America Act
The bill specifically targets small telecommunications companies that serve rural communities. Under the act, these companies will be exempt from certain SEC public reporting requirements, typically designed for large, publicly traded corporations. According to Senator Joni Ernst, this exemption will “remove unnecessary red tape that small providers face, freeing up resources that can be used to expand broadband infrastructure in rural areas.” The SEC reporting requirements are often cited as costly and time-consuming for smaller companies, diverting resources away from core operations. The ACCESS Rural America Act allows providers to allocate more funds toward expanding and upgrading their networks by alleviating these administrative burdens.
Bipartisan Collaboration and Unanimous Support
The unanimous passage of the ACCESS Rural America Act underscores the bipartisan nature of the issue. Leaders from both parties have consistently emphasized the importance of rural broadband expansion to bridge the digital divide and promote economic growth. “This is not a Democratic or Republican issue; it’s an American issue,” Baldwin stated. “When rural America thrives, our entire nation benefits.” Ernst echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the legislation. “This bill is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the common good,” she said.
Impact on Rural Communities
The legislation represents a significant step forward for small providers in rural America. By reducing regulatory costs, the bill enables these companies to focus on improving service quality, extending network coverage, and reaching underserved areas. “This legislation will empower local providers to better serve their communities,” said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. “It’s a win for rural America and for the small businesses that are the backbone of these efforts.” Bloomfield added that reducing barriers for small providers will have a ripple effect, enhancing opportunities for education, telehealth, and remote work in rural areas.
The ACCESS Rural America Act now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is expected to receive broad support. If signed into law, the legislation will complement other federal initiatives, such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, to expand high-speed internet nationwide. As policymakers continue to address the digital divide, the ACCESS Rural America Act reminds them of the importance of targeted solutions that prioritize the needs of rural communities and small providers.
