Wisconsin Ag Connection - Baldwin Pushes to Expand Rural Broadband

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Baldwin Pushes to Expand Rural Broadband
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/20/2019

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin joined Sen. Joni Ernst from Iowa in reintroducing legislation to encourage investment in high-speed Internet, while protecting and expanding access to broadband in rural communities. The measure is known as the 'Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports' Act, or ACCESS, which would provide regulatory relief to rural telecommunications service providers by allowing them to submit streamlined financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Baldwin says the bill would increase the number of investors that triggers SEC public reporting requirements for rural telecommunications companies.

"Reliable high-speed broadband is critical to strengthening small businesses and communities throughout rural Wisconsin. Unfortunately, rural telecom companies are getting hit with disclosure costs that were never intended for them, creating new challenges to delivering broadband access throughout Wisconsin," Baldwin said. "Our bipartisan legislation provides the regulatory relief that rural service providers need to build-out high-speed broadband in small communities and continue our efforts to bring broadband access for all--no matter where you live in Wisconsin."

Last month, Baldwin joined Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee in introducing the bipartisan Internet Exchange Act to help improve Internet access for consumers in rural areas. Specifically, that legislation authorizes matching grants to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to help establish new IX facilities where none exist, or to help existing ones expand.

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