H.R. 10288: Rural Broadband Modernization Act

This bill would change the ReConnect rural broadband program, which provides loans and grants to expand internet service in rural areas.

What it would do

• It would keep the program focused on broadband projects that provide at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds.
• It would say that projects cannot be rejected, or ranked lower, just because of the type of technology used to deliver service.
• That means applications could not be disadvantaged simply because the broadband would use terrestrial networks, non-terrestrial systems, or low-Earth orbit satellite systems.
• It would require the Department of Agriculture to publicly report, within 30 days after an award, how many locations the project will serve and what kind of technology will be used.
• When a project is finished, the Department would also have to publish a report showing how much money was paid out and how many locations received broadband service.
• It would require the Secretary of Agriculture to issue final regulations within 180 days after enactment to carry out these changes.

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill would make the ReConnect program more technology-neutral. Instead of favoring one broadband delivery method over another, the program would be required to consider applications without automatically preferring wired, wireless, or satellite approaches. It would also add more public reporting about awarded projects and completed projects.

Relevant Companies

• SATS — EchoStar, which includes satellite broadband operations that could benefit if satellite-based projects are treated the same as other broadband technologies in ReConnect.
• VSAT — Viasat, a satellite communications company that could be affected if rural broadband funding is available without preference against satellite delivery.
• IRDM — Iridium, which provides satellite communications services and could be indirectly affected by broader acceptance of non-terrestrial broadband technologies.
• ASTS — AST SpaceMobile, which focuses on satellite-based connectivity and could be affected if government broadband programs become more open to satellite-based service models.