Rural Broadband Remains Key Issue During Coronavirus Relief Debates

Rural Broadband remains a top priority for farm-state lawmakers in any new pandemic relief package. House Ag lawmakers say expanding rural broadband is a must for business development, telemedicine, education, and agriculture.

“Rural communities with particularly, Ag economies, could really start to expand their areas of focus and investment if this country would invest in high-speed internet,” said Minnesota Democrat Angie Craig.

In addition, Georgia democrat David Scott said Rural Broadband is a priority for his constituents south of Atlanta in a variety of ways,"…for their health, for their education, for business development…and for them, to be totally a part of the future of our great nation.”

The House-passed HEROES Act includes $24 billion to improve broadband mapping to better locate towers, and President Trump signed an executive order in 2018 to speed federal permitting of rural broadband towers, including on federal lands. The House bill also includes $4 billion to lower monthly internet bills, and $1.5 billion for connectivity and devices for students, schools, and libraries, plus broadband help for hospitals.

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