Griffith Introduces Bill to Streamline Broadband

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) has introduced the Barriers and Regulatory Obstacles Avoids Deployment of Broadband Access and Needs Deregulatory (BROADBAND) Leadership Act, legislation aiming to streamline deployment of broadband infrastructure.

“Bridging the digital divide requires the rapid deployment of more broadband infrastructure. The BROADBAND Leadership Act will facilitate this goal by removing regulatory obstacles and requiring more timely decisions by government entities overseeing the permitting of broadband projects,” said Griffith. “This approach will contribute to building out broadband faster, connecting more Americans, including many in rural communities.”

The BROADBAND Leadership Act would streamline permitting processes for telecommunications service providers by preserving state and local zoning authority subject to reasonable limitations, such as shot clocks and cost-based fees, to ensure providers receive an answer on their application in a timely manner.