Universal Broadband Access Act
1.) Authorizes $32 Billion ($7 Billion each year from FY 2022 - FY 2025 and $4 Billion in FY 2026) to be spent in five years that shall be used to deploy secure and resilient broadband infrastructure for communities of all types (rural, suburban, or urban) throughout the Southern region which currently are underserved in terms of infrastructure, focusing on areas with poverty rates above the regional average. The funds are to be used efficiently and effectively and will be directed to the Governor's office. There the governor shall establish a commission that shall work in tandem with and coordinate with other regional agencies in order to ensure efficient usage of funds.
2.) Requires internet service providers whose networks are built with the new financial support appropriated in the bill to offer an affordable (to be defined by algorithms) service plan to every consumer.
3.) Guarantees the right of local governments, public-private partnerships, and cooperatives to deliver broadband service, which has lowered prices in many communities by providing competition to traditional broadband providers.
4.) Directs the Federal Communications Commission to collect data on prices charged for broadband service throughout the country and make that data widely available to other Federal agencies, researchers, and public interest groups, with appropriate privacy protections.
5.) Gives preference in the funds provided under the bill to certain broadband projects that will provide open access for additional providers to use taxpayer-funded infrastructure on fair terms to provide more options to consumers.
6.) Creates a new “dig once” provision to ensure better coordination of transportation and broadband infrastructure projects, while ensuring State flexibility and preventing unfunded mandates.
7.) Authorizes $500 Million to be spent in FY 2022 establish two new grant programs: the State Digital Equity Capacity Program, an annual grant program for states to create and implement comprehensive digital equity plans to help close gaps in broadband adoption and digital skills, and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, which will further support these efforts through digital inclusion projects undertaken by individual organizations and local communities.
8.) Authorizes an additional $1 Billion to be spent over five years for the recently enacted Emergency Connectivity Fund through E-Rate to promote student connectivity, including funding for Wi-Fi on school buses so that students can be connected, which emphasis on rural areas.
9.) This bill is effective June 01, 2021
