In a notable bipartisan effort, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico have introduced a legislative proposal aimed at expediting the expansion of telecommunications and broadband across the nation. The bill, known as the Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act, proposes to simplify the deployment of infrastructure along public and railroad rights-of-way, a move that could significantly impact rural and Tribal communities.
According to a statement obtained by Senator Blackburn's office, this legislation is designed to reducé the bureaucratic hurdles associated with installing telecommunications and broadband equipment. "Access to reliable, high-speed telecommunications and broadband is a necessity for working families, schools, and businesses," Blackburn stated. Expanding connectivity for underserved areas in Tennessee and throughout the United States is at the forefront of the proposal.
Senator Luján, serving as the Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, emphasized the positive outcomes expected from improving broadband access. He mentioned that the act would streamline broadband construction along rail corridors to help connect regions that have long been underserved. With a significant portion of New Mexico landscape crisscrossed by railroad tracks, the bill potentially opens up new corridors for connectivity, as noted by Senator Blackburn's office.
The need for such measures is underscored by the fact that 22.3 percent of rural Americans are without broadband coverage, compared to a mere 1.5 percent in urban areas. The disparity in access not only hampers economic growth but also affects educational and healthcare opportunities. The proposed act addresses these challenges by setting forth a notification and application process for installing the necessary infrastructure, with established timelines to prevent unnecessary delays. One key provision within the bill allows railroad carriers to deny installation applications only if they fail to meet specific safety, damage, or operational requirements.
