Collins Introduces Legislation to Ensure Broadband Accountability and Oversight

9th District Congressman Doug Collins has introduced House Resolution 427, the Connect America Fund Accountability Act of 2019.

Under the bill, Internet service providers will come under increased scrutiny from the federal government on their efforts to provide broadband connectivity to citizens and businesses in rural areas.

The Bill would require CAF recipients to include additional information in their quarterly reports to the Federal Communications Commission, to ensure they are accurately reporting speeds provided to their customers.

Collins said by increasing the accuracy of the quarterly reports the FCC will have the data they need to adequately disperse CAF funds and exercise oversight over CAF resources.

He said the bill also protects consumers by making sure those funds are being used as intended so rural and underserved areas will have increased access to reliable broadband services.

“For years, Northeast Georgians have consistently struggled to gain access to reliable broadband speeds. Congress has taken significant steps toward expanding rural broadband infrastructure in recent years, including securing federal funding to providers in rural areas. However, some carriers, particularly in Northeast Georgia, have failed to provide adequate broadband speeds to consumers despite collecting taxpayer dollars,” Rep. Collins said. “This legislation institutes specific tools to hold providers accountable for accurate reporting while ensuring households and businesses throughout our rural communities have access to the broadband services required to compete in the 21st-century economy.”

Last year, Rep. Collins and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai hosted a forum with stakeholders across Northeast Georgia to address the challenges of delivering accessible and affordable internet access to rural communities.

After that forum, Collins introduced the Gigabit Opportunity Act to promote broadband development in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.