Bill > HR4825

This bill establishes two new broadband expansion grant programs. The first program, the Broadband Expansion Grant Program, allows the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to make grants to "covered partnerships" - partnerships between states/local governments and broadband providers that do not currently offer broadband service - to deploy fixed broadband service of at least 25/3 Mbps in eligible areas. The bill sets out requirements for the application and award process, including prioritizing projects that serve the most unserved households, are most rural and cost-effective, and provide faster speeds. Grant recipients must meet build-out milestones and report on deployment. The second program, the Mobile Broadband Expansion Grant Program, allows the Assistant Secretary to make grants to similar "covered partnerships" to deploy mobile broadband service in eligible areas not served by the 5G Fund. The application and award process has similar requirements as the fixed broadband program. Both programs are authorized to receive a total of $23 billion in funding through fiscal year 2027.