Broadband Access

The term “broadband” is used to describe high speed internet access provided by various telecommunications technologies including cable, telephone wire, and wireless. Broadband gives users the ability to send and receive data at volumes and speeds far greater than “dial-up” internet access provided over traditional telephone lines. While the number of new broadband subscribers continues to grow, a 2021 report from the FCC estimates that 14.5 million Americans still lack access to broadband internet service. Moreover, several international rankings indicate that the U.S. is lagging behind other nations in broadband accessibility, speed, and cost. Americans pay more and get less for broadband service than many countries across the globe.

REALTORS® support a comprehensive national policy to stimulate the deployment of broadband in underserved areas of the U.S., increase data capabilities, and provide affordable broadband prices.

Advocacy

What is the fundamental issue?

REALTORS® support a comprehensive national policy to stimulate the deployment of broadband, increase data speeds and reduce broadband prices particularly in underserved communities across the U.S.

I am a real estate professional. What does this mean for my business?

“Broadband,” or high-speed internet access, can be provided through cable, telephone wireline, or wireless technologies. While Congress has provided $78 billion to expand broadband internet since 2020, millions of Americans continue to lack basic connectivity. A national broadband policy will help promote economic growth, create jobs, and expand investment opportunities for all real estate markets and communities across the nation.

NAR Policy:

Every American should have access to a high-speed, world-class communications infrastructure;
High-capacity broadband connectivity should be affordable and widely accessible; and
A variety of options should be considered to encourage quality broadband deployment and adoption including action by the public and private sector.

Legislative/Regulatory Status/Outlook

Since 2020, Congress and the Administration have taken significant steps to bridge the "digital divide" between those who have access to high-speed internet (broadband) and those who do not.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58; Nov. 15, 2021]) provided $65 billion for broadband programs at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA);
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2; March 11, 2021) provided $7 billion for broadband programs at the FCC;
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260; Dec. 27, 2020) provided $6 billion for broadband programs at the FCC, NTIA, and USDA; and
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136; March 27, 2020) provided $100 million for broadband programs at the USDA.

NAR will continue to work to expand broadband access and close the "digital divide."

Broadband Access

Advocacy

What is the fundamental issue?

I am a real estate professional. What does this mean for my business?

NAR Policy:

Legislative/Regulatory Status/Outlook

Current Legislation/Regulation

In-Depth

Legislative Contact(s):

Regulatory Contact(s):