H.R. 5419: Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act

This bill, titled the Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act, aims to streamline and expedite the process for reviewing requests related to communications use authorizations on public lands and national forest land. Below is a summary of its key components:

Purpose

The primary purpose of the bill is to ensure timely reviews and approvals for communications infrastructure projects, which include the installation of facilities necessary for telecommunications and internet services. This is intended to improve access to broadband and other communication services.

Study and Reporting

The bill requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to perform the following actions:

• Conduct a Study: Each Secretary will investigate the extent to which there are administrative or programmatic barriers that slow down the review process for communications use authorizations. This includes examining:
• Existing barriers that prevent timely reviews.
• Possible revisions to rules or regulations to improve efficiency.
• Processes for prioritizing the review of requests.
• Report Findings: Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretaries must submit a report to relevant congressional committees. This report will include:
  • Findings from the study on barriers and inefficiencies.
  • A plan for staffing that addresses the need for timely reviews within each department.

Definitions

To clarify terms used in the bill:

• Communications Use Authorization: This includes various legal permissions like easements or licenses granted to place or modify communications facilities on public or national forest land.
• Covered Land: Refers to public lands and land in the National Forest System.
• Communications Facility: Refers to installations necessary for communication services, as defined by previous legislation.

Organizational Units

The bill defines the relevant organizational units involved in the review process, specifying offices under the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture responsible for handling these requests.

Overall Impact

This legislation aims to enhance the efficiency of communication infrastructure deployment, potentially leading to faster access to broadband services in underserved areas. It focuses on reducing delays in the approval process by identifying barriers and streamlining administrative procedures.

Relevant Companies

• TWTR (Twitter): Could benefit from streamlined processes for new installations that enhance their service delivery.
• CMCSA (Comcast): A major internet service provider that may see faster approvals for infrastructure expansion.
• VZ (Verizon): Likely to be directly affected as the bill may expedite authorization for expanding their communication networks.