Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

The "Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026" aims to enhance enrollment in the Lifeline program by establishing two distinct grant programs administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These initiatives are designed to increase awareness among eligible individuals and improve the efficiency of the eligibility verification process for broadband assistance.

The first program offers competitive grants to States to conduct targeted outreach to individuals who are eligible for, or potentially eligible for, the Lifeline program but are not yet enrolled. States receiving these funds must inform individuals about their potential eligibility, provide clear instructions on how to apply, and partner with community-based organizations to offer direct application assistance and information on product choices. The FCC will prioritize grant awards to States with a higher number of covered individuals and those demonstrating a greater potential to reach eligible-but-not-enrolled individuals.

The second program provides grants to States specifically for strengthening the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier. These funds are intended to help States establish, renew, or maintain connections between their existing benefit databases, such as those for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the national verifier system. This integration will allow for more accurate and efficient verification of an individual's Lifeline eligibility based on their participation in other State-administered assistance programs.

The bill mandates that the FCC promulgate regulations for the outreach grant program within 30 days and establish the verifier grant program within 90 days of enactment. Furthermore, it requires the FCC to submit a report to Congress within three years, evaluating the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the outreach grant program.