Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, has introduced legislation that he hopes will bring growth to underserved communities in the country through broadband resources.
Jones introduced the Access Broadband Act on April 5, a bipartisan bill that aims to simplify broadband services and application for access for smaller communities and companies.
“In today’s economy, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity,” Jones said. “Unfortunately, in many parts of Alabama, access to reliable broadband is still too hard to come by. This bill will help ensure that federal broadband resources are well spent and directed toward the areas that need them.”
If passed, the bill will have the Department of Commerce create the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Support for the bill also comes from Jones’ colleagues: Sens. Cortez Masto, D-Nevada; Cory Gardner, R-Colorado; Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin; Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee.
