Hudson authors part of broadband infrastructure plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) authored one of the resolutions in a series introduced by the Energy and Commerce Committee laying out principles for broadband infrastructure:

“Broadband internet has revolutionized how we learn, connect and conduct business,” Hudson said. “But too many people in rural North Carolina are lacking the internet connectivity they need. This makes it harder for us to get jobs and leaves many without access to services like telemedicine and long-distance learning. It is going to take an all-of-the-above approach to solve this problem, and my resolution helps provide an important blueprint to ensure people in rural North Carolina can access broadband.”

According to the Federal Communications Commission, 39 percent of rural Americans—or 23 million people—lack sufficient broadband access. By removing barriers to buildout, supporting innovation and focusing on communities that need it most, these four resolutions set the groundwork for a larger legislative process.

• House resolution introduced by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) to ensure wireless broadband infrastructure funding preference for states that support small cell siting reform, helping ease the permitting process in communities across the country.
• House resolution introduced by Subcommittee on Communications and Technology vice chair Leonard Lance (R-NJ) to direct broadband infrastructure funding toward areas that are currently unserved.
• House resolution introduced by Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection chair Bob Latta (R-OH) to ensure federal policy treats all broadband providers in a technology-neutral manner, applying consistent rules that support innovation.
• House resolution introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) to ensure federal, state and local tax, regulatory, permitting and other requirements are coordinated and reconciled to maximize the benefits of broadband investment.

This plan has received broad support from several stakeholders.

“I commend the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, chaired by Rep. Marsha Blackburn, for its leadership in promoting broadband infrastructure deployment. As the four resolutions introduced today by vice chairman Leonard Lance, chairman Bob Latta, Rep. Richard Hudson and Rep. Gus Bilirakis recognize, broadband is key to job creation and economic growth,” FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said. “So I applaud chairman Blackburn and the subcommittee for their continued focus on removing barriers to broadband buildout. These efforts will help ensure that all Americans—regardless of where they live—can benefit from next-generation technologies.”