S. 323: Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act

The Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act (PLAN for Broadband Act) aims to enhance the management and coordination of federal broadband programs to ensure that all individuals in the United States have access to high-speed, affordable broadband internet. Here are the key components of the bill:

Development of a National Strategy

Within one year of enactment, the bill requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop and submit a National Strategy to Synchronize Federal Broadband Programs. The strategy will focus on:

• Improving the management of federal broadband programs to be efficient and accountable.
• Synchronizing inter-agency coordination among various federal agencies involved in broadband initiatives.
• Facilitating the approval processes for necessary permits and rights of way for broadband infrastructure installation.
• Reducing barriers and administrative burdens for participants in federal broadband programs.

Requirements of the Strategy

The Strategy must include detailed assessments of:

• Current federal and state programs aimed at increasing broadband access.
• Efforts to coordinate federal broadband initiatives.
• Identified gaps and limitations that hinder these programs.
• Goals, objectives, and performance measures for effectively managing federal broadband efforts.
• Estimates of resources needed to carry out the strategy and how to address any potential costs.
• Data on the effectiveness of existing broadband programs in providing access to high-speed internet.
• Recommendations for improving cooperation among different levels of government and addressing issues specific to Tribal lands.

Implementation Plan

120 days after the Strategy is submitted, the Assistant Secretary must develop an Implementation Plan, which should outline:

• The roles and responsibilities for managing federal broadband programs.
• Proposed streamlined policies for inter-agency collaboration.
• A system for monitoring and reporting the effectiveness of broadband programs, including measures to prevent waste and misuse of funds.
• A method for regular updates to Congress on the status of implementation efforts.

Public and Congressional Involvement

The Implementation Plan must be drafted with public input and shared with Congress, ensuring transparency and accountability in the development of broadband strategies.

Agency Reporting and Accountability

Covered agencies are required to provide timely reports on their efforts to coordinate broadband services. Additionally, the Comptroller General must conduct a study within one year following the plan's submission to ensure the efficacy of the new coordination strategy.

Broadband Funding Map Reporting

Within 60 days of enactment, each covered agency must report on measures taken to collaborate with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration regarding the Deployment Locations Map, which tracks broadband access across the U.S.

Additional Provisions

The bill includes amendments to existing laws to ensure accurate tracking of application processing times for broadband projects and addresses minimum project costs for federally backed broadband initiatives.

Rule of Construction

Importantly, while the bill seeks to improve the coordination and efficiency of broadband access, it does not give the federal government additional regulatory authority over broadband internet access services.

Relevant Companies

• CMCSA: Comcast Corporation - As a major broadband provider, changes in federal program coordination could impact their operations and funding opportunities.
• T: AT&T Inc. - AT&T could see shifts in how it engages with federal broadband programs and access funding for infrastructure projects.
• VZ: Verizon Communications - The implementation of a national broadband strategy may influence Verizon’s project approvals and funding methodologies.