WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she’s helped introduce the bipartisan Keeping Critical Connections Act, legislation to help small broadband providers ensure rural broadband connectivity for students and their families during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important for families to have access to fast and reliable broadband connections, regardless of their zip code,” dijo el Senador Rosen. “Broadband is necessary as our schools, jobs, and communities move online and we need to ensure that families living in rural areas don’t get left behind. I will continue working to ensure that families and students stay connected to work, school, and their community during the pandemic.”
BACKGROUND: The Keeping Critical Connections Act would appropriate $2 billion for a Keeping Critical Connections fund at the FCC under which small broadband providers with fewer than 250,000 customers could be compensated for broadband services—if they provided free or discounted broadband services or upgrades—during the pandemic for low-income families who could not afford to pay their bills or provided distance learning capability for students.
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