Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger introduced the Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act last week, which will reduce burdensome regulations and improve wireless infrastructure across America.
Harshbarger noted that millions of rural Americans, including those who live in East Tennessee, lack access to reliable internet access, creating unnecessary challenges for local businesses, students, healthcare providers and patients, teleworkers, and families.
These challenges faced by rural communities are often a result of permitting barriers imposed by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
She said the Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act will allow for updates to our wireless internet infrastructure without a NEPA review, expediting the deployment of rural internet access.
“Hard-working rural Americans should not be prevented from accessing the internet due to Washington red tape,” Harshbarger said. “It is crucial that internet access is expanded for rural communities so they can unlock their full potential and thrive in the modern age. My bill, the Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act, will bridge the digital divide and increase connectivity in rural communities, like ours in East Tennessee.”
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/in-the-news/harshbarger-legislation-expands-wireless-internet-access-rural-americans