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Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023

USA118th CongressS-3321| Senate 
| Updated: 11/15/2023
Markwayne Mullin

Markwayne Mullin

Republican Senator

Oklahoma

Cosponsors (6)
Mike Braun (Republican)James E. Risch (Republican)Kevin Cramer (Republican)Josh Hawley (Republican)Mark Kelly (Democratic)Mike Crapo (Republican)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023 This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require large broadband service providers and edge providers (i.e., providers of online content or services, such as search engines and social media platforms) to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF). USF provides support for broadband and other telecommunications services to high-cost areas, schools and libraries, rural health care facilities, and the Lifeline program (an FCC program that provides a discount on phone and internet services for low-income consumers). Currently, only telecommunications companies (wireline and wireless telephone companies) contribute to USF. The bill also directs the FCC to develop a mechanism to provide sufficient support to certain broadband providers that are eligible for funding for costs incurred in offering service in high-cost areas (rural areas where market forces do not support the cost of deployment and service). Eligible costs must not be recoverable by providers through revenue or other USF support. This additional support must be limited to one provider per area.
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Timeline
Nov 15, 2023
Introduced in Senate
Nov 15, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • November 15, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 15, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Science, Technology, Communications

Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023

USA118th CongressS-3321| Senate 
| Updated: 11/15/2023
Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023 This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require large broadband service providers and edge providers (i.e., providers of online content or services, such as search engines and social media platforms) to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF). USF provides support for broadband and other telecommunications services to high-cost areas, schools and libraries, rural health care facilities, and the Lifeline program (an FCC program that provides a discount on phone and internet services for low-income consumers). Currently, only telecommunications companies (wireline and wireless telephone companies) contribute to USF. The bill also directs the FCC to develop a mechanism to provide sufficient support to certain broadband providers that are eligible for funding for costs incurred in offering service in high-cost areas (rural areas where market forces do not support the cost of deployment and service). Eligible costs must not be recoverable by providers through revenue or other USF support. This additional support must be limited to one provider per area.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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Timeline
Nov 15, 2023
Introduced in Senate
Nov 15, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • November 15, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 15, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Markwayne Mullin

Markwayne Mullin

Republican Senator

Oklahoma

Cosponsors (6)
Mike Braun (Republican)James E. Risch (Republican)Kevin Cramer (Republican)Josh Hawley (Republican)Mark Kelly (Democratic)Mike Crapo (Republican)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Science, Technology, Communications

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted