H.R. 1838: Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act

The bill, known as the **Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act**, proposes to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 with the primary goal of improving access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas, focusing specifically on rural ports. The main provisions of the bill include:

1. Enhanced Funding Opportunities

The bill encourages the provision of loans and grants to facilitate the deployment of broadband services in rural ports. Projects that aim to rapidly expand both fixed and mobile broadband services are prioritized. This includes applications for projects targeting cropland and ranchland to support precision agriculture.

2. Definition and Prioritization of Rural Ports

The bill defines rural ports broadly to include:

• Any port on navigable waters of the U.S., including its territories.
• Any harbor, marine terminal, or shore facility primarily used for the movement of goods on inland waters.
• Any port established following applicable state or territorial laws.

Applications for establishing broadband services at these rural ports will receive equal priority during the selection process.

3. Identification and Support for Unserved Communities

Applicants for funding must identify unserved rural communities that would benefit from the new service. The Secretary of Agriculture will verify these communities' eligibility for funding by consulting with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and performing testing to confirm a lack of existing broadband services. This review will be conducted at least once every two years.

4. Financial Provisions

The legislation sets a cap on the amount of grants available, typically not exceeding 50% of the development costs for a project. However, the Secretary may approve grants covering up to 75% of development costs for projects serving particularly needy rural areas.

5. Timing of Decisions and Feedback

To streamline the application process, the Secretary must provide timely feedback to applicants regarding funding decisions. This aims to ensure that potential grant recipients are not left waiting for extended periods without knowledge of their application's outcome.

6. Data Requirements and Environmental Reviews

Recipients of grants or loans will be required to provide precise geolocation data regarding the locations of new broadband services being installed. Additionally, the Secretary is allowed to obligate funding for projects before completing all environmental reviews, provided that necessary site-specific reviews can be easily procured without hindering project progress.

7. Accountability Measures

At least 1% of funding must be allocated for oversight and the implementation of accountability measures under this bill to ensure effective use of resources.

8. Relation to Universal Service Support

The legislation mandates that any grants, loans, or loan guarantees must ensure a level of service comparable to that provided through existing universal service high-cost support programs, as defined by federal regulations.

Relevant Companies

• T - AT&T Inc.: As a major telecommunications provider, AT&T may be involved in providing broadband services in newly funded rural areas.
• VZ - Verizon Communications Inc.: Verizon may also be called upon to expand its broadband services, especially in rural ports as part of potential funding projects.
• CWCO - Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.: This company might explore opportunities related to broadband deployment in coastal and port regions in conjunction with water services.