Sioux City Times

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra from Iowa has introduced a new bill aimed at reducing broadband costs for rural communities in Iowa. The legislation, known as the Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act, targets "edge providers" such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, and Netflix to contribute more financially towards the construction and maintenance of broadband networks funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF) and landline consumers.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico is co-leading this bipartisan effort. Feenstra emphasized the importance of high-speed internet for economic growth in rural areas and criticized large tech companies for not contributing adequately to network costs. He stated that connecting essential community services to the internet is a priority.

Rep. Leger Fernandez echoed these sentiments, highlighting the bill's role in closing the digital divide by ensuring big corporations also contribute to sustaining rural broadband networks.

Brandon Heiner from US Telecom – The Broadband Association expressed support for Feenstra's proposal as a necessary modernization of the USF to address current communication needs.

Derrick Owens from WTA praised the bipartisan nature of the legislation and its potential to empower the FCC in modernizing USF contributions to include businesses benefiting from broadband networks.

Shirley Bloomfield of NTCA noted that this legislation would promote stable funding and fair contribution obligations among all users and beneficiaries of broadband networks.

Carri Bennet from the Rural Wireless Association stressed that a fair USF contribution system is crucial for affordable rural broadband access, supporting Feenstra's initiative.

Godfrey Enjady from the National Tribal Telecommunications Association endorsed the bill for its potential to alleviate financial burdens on Native American families by requiring those who benefit financially from networks to contribute accordingly.