Closing the Digital Divide in Rural America (U.S. House Committee on Agriculture)

Hearing	Closing the Digital Divide in Rural America
Committee	U.S. House Committee on Agriculture
Date	June 21, 2023

 

Hearing Takeaways:

• The Upcoming 2023 Farm Bill’s Broadband Internet Programs: The hearing largely considered potential broadband internet programs to be included in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. Committee Members and the hearing’s witnesses argued that the 2023 Farm Bill serves an ideal vehicle to address rural broadband connectivity issues given the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) unique focus and expertise regarding rural areas. They stated that the 2023 Farm Bill’s broadband internet programs should support the delivery of high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband internet services that can support telehealth, precision agriculture technologies, distance learning, and remote work.
  • The USDA’s Rural e-Connectivity (ReConnect) Program: The USDA’s ReConnect Program provides loans and grants to support the construction of broadband networks in eligible rural areas. Committee Members, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Assey, and Mr. Assey expressed interest in codifying the USDA’s ReConnect Program as part of the upcoming 2023 Broadband Program. They noted how this Program is currently subject to the annual Congressional appropriations process, which can result in the Program lacking consistency and clarity. Mr. Matheson and Mr. Assey also called on Congress to streamline the Program’s application process and to reform the Program’s scoring methodology as part of any permanent authorization effort.
  • Symmetrical Broadband Speed Requirements: A key area of debate at the hearing was whether the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill should require symmetrical broadband networks with 100 Mbps download speeds and 100 Mbps upload speeds. Several Committee Members, Mr. Matheson, and Mrs. Bloomfield argued that symmetrical broadband speed requirements are necessary for protecting against digital disparities between rural and urban areas and for ensuring that broadband infrastructure can meet future broadband needs. Mr. Zumwalt stated however that rural consumers are not asking for 100 Mbps upload speeds and that these speeds do not represent what urban subscribers are actually using. He asserted that a symmetrical speed requirement would effectively prevent many internet providers from applying for USDA ReConnect Program funding, which would leave many communities unconnected to broadband service.
  • Determination of Unserved and Underserved Areas: The 2018 Farm Bill had amended the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to require that 90 percent of residents in a proposed service area be without sufficient access to broadband or unserved to be eligible for grant funding and that 50 percent of residents in a proposed service area be without sufficient access to broadband or unserved to be eligible for loans. Several Committee Members, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Assey, Mr. Zumwalt, and Mrs. Bloomfield raised concerns that the 50 percent threshold is too low. They stated that this low threshold might be driving the overbuilding of broadband infrastructure in some already served areas. They expressed interest in addressing this issue as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
  • Technology Neutrality: Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) Mr. Zumwalt, Mr. Stroup, Mr. Hurley, and Mrs. Bloomfield argued that the U.S. should pursue technology neutral broadband policies to expedite the deployment of broadband unfractured. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) cautioned however that the U.S. should not use technology neutrality as a guise to weaken broadband internet standards.
  • Middle-Mile Broadband Infrastructure: Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR) and Mr. Matheson stated that Congress should make investments in resilient middle-mile broadband infrastructure. They emphasized the important role of this infrastructure in delivering rural broadband service.
  • Support for Satellite Internet Providers: Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL) and Mr. Stroup highlighted the role that satellite internet providers can play in delivering broadband service to rural and difficult-to-reach communities. Mr. Stroup recommended that the Committee should provide financial incentives or tax breaks to satellite internet providers to encourage their participation in rural broadband expansion efforts.
  • Precision Agriculture Technology: Several Subcommittee Members, Mr. Assey, Mr. Zumwalt, Mr. Hurley, and Mrs. Bloomfield discussed how broadband services are key to enabling precision agriculture technologies and stated that these technologies can increase crop yields and enhance sustainability through more efficient uses of critical inputs, including land, water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Mr. Hurley recommended that the Committee include the Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023 as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. This legislation would establish a USDA loan program for supporting precision agriculture technology purchases. Mr. Hurley also recommended that the Committee include the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act and the Promoting Precision Agriculture Act of 2023 as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. The PRECISE Act would designate precision agriculture as an applicable practice in the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The Promoting Precision Agriculture Act of 2023 would support the development of standards, guidelines, and best practices for precision agriculture.
• Federal Broadband Infrastructure Investments and Deployment Challenges: The hearing also considered current federal efforts to deploy broadband infrastructure and various deployment challenges associated with recent broadband infrastructure investments. Mr. Assey mentioned how over $160 billion has been allocated over the previous four years at the federal level to support broadband internet expansion efforts. He indicated that some of this federal funding is already supporting broadband infrastructure projects and that “far more” of this funding should be deployed in the future. Full Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) highlighted how the USDA had only received $2 billion of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) $65 billion for broadband infrastructure deployment efforts. Committee Members and the hearing’s witnesses emphasized that broadband deployment will provide Americans with numerous benefits, including the ability to access work, pursue education, and obtain health care services.
  • Coordination Across Federal Departments and Agencies and Across Federal, State, and Local Levels of Government: Committee Members, Mr. Assey, Mr. Zumwalt, Mr. Stroup, and Mrs. Bloomfield emphasized the need for federal departments and agencies to coordinate their broadband deployment efforts, especially considering the scale of newly available broadband funds. Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) noted how the federal government currently maintains 80 broadband programs, including nine housed within the USDA. Committee Members, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Assey, and Mrs. Bloomfield also discussed the need for the federal government to coordinate with state and local governments as part of the broadband deployment process. They asserted that program flexibility and technical assistance for states will help to support these deployment efforts.
  • Broadband Availability Maps: Committee Members, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Assey, Mr. Zumwalt, and Mrs. Bloomfield discussed the role that federal and state broadband availability maps will play in informing broadband deployment decisions. Several Committee Members expressed concerns over the current accuracy of these maps and noted how these maps often falsely identify unserved areas as having broadband service. The hearing’s witnesses highlighted how broadband availability is constantly changing, which necessitates that these maps be frequently updated. Mr. Matheson and Mrs. Bloomfield also noted how the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maintains a challenge process for their National Broadband Map, which can help to address inaccuracies.
  • Addressing Digital Disparities: Committee Members, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Assey, Mr. Zumwalt, and Mrs. Bloomfield expressed interest in ensuring that broadband access disparities do not persist in low-income communities, communities of color, and rural communities. They recounted how the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed these disparities and had underscored how broadband access is a necessity for economic growth, education, health care, and social connectivity. 
  • Addressing Broadband Affordability: Committee Democrats, Mr. Assey, Mr. Zumwalt, and Mrs. Bloomfield discussed how the IIJA had established the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to provide targeted broadband service discounts for low-income households and tribal communities. They expressed support for the ACP and called on Congress to extend the Program before it is set to exhaust its funds within the next two years. Mrs. Bloomfield further recommended that Congress ensure that the ACP possess sufficient advertising resources and support community outreach efforts to promote Program enrollment. 
  • Maintaining Existing Broadband Infrastructure: Rep. John Rose (R-TN) and Mrs. Bloomfield called on the U.S. to reform the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) to ensure that the U.S.’s existing broadband infrastructure can be maintained.
  • Promoting Broadband Service Provider Competition: Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Mr. Assey, Mr. Stroup, and Mrs. Bloomfield expressed interest in efforts to promote broadband service provider competition in rural areas. Mr. Stroup stated that satellite broadband providers could provide broadband service competition in rural areas.
  • Need for “Future-Proof” Broadband Deployment: Several Committee Members, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Assey, and Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that U.S. must work to deploy “future-proof” broadband networks. They asserted that such “future-proof” networks can anticipate future broadband demands (which will likely be greater than current demands) and avoid future upgrade costs.
  • Application Process Reforms: Several Committee Members, Mr. Assey, Mr. Stroup, and Mrs. Bloomfield discussed how many stakeholders face challenges when applying for the USDA’s broadband programs and face delays in receiving Program funds. Mrs. Bloomfield highlighted how that the USDA is experiencing staffing shortages, which can delay the processing of program applications. These Committee Member and witnesses called on Congress to pursue reforms to this process, including updates to application portals and increased outreach efforts. Mr. Stroup specifically called on Congress to specify that satellite and other service providers are eligible to participate in the USDA’s broadband programs. Of note, Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL) and Mrs. Bloomfield expressed support for the Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports (ACCESS) Rural America Act, which would provide regulatory relief to small rural broadband providers from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements.
  • Permitting Reforms: Committee Republicans, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Assey, and Mrs. Bloomfield lamented how permitting challenges associated with broadband infrastructure often result in unnecessary project delays (which can threaten the viability of the projects). They noted that these permitting challenges include historical preservation requirements and environmental reviews. They highlighted how these challenges are especially prevalent on federal lands with an existing right of way. Mr. Matheson applauded recent permitting reforms, including those included in the recently enacted Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. He stated that Congress must build upon these reforms and adopt appropriate time limits on the permitting process. 
  • Industry Workforce Issues: Several Committee Members, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Assey, and Mrs. Bloomfield discussed how broadband industry workforce challenges are constraining the U.S.’s ability to swiftly deploy broadband infrastructure projects and expressed support for government and industry workforce development programs. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY) suggested that people with disabilities might be good candidates for many of these open positions.
  • Cybersecurity Issues: Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Mr. Hurley further expressed interest in efforts to ensure that the U.S.’s broadband networks possess adequate cybersecurity protections.

Hearing Witnesses:

1. The Hon. Jim Matheson, Chief Executive Officer, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
2. Mr. James Assey, Executive Vice President, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association 
3. Mr. David Zumwalt, President and Chief Executive Officer, WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries
4. Mr. Tom Stroup, President, Satellite Industry Association
5. Mr. Bill Hurley, Chair, Agriculture Sector Board, Association of Equipment Manufacturers
6. Mrs. Shirley Bloomfield, Chief Executive Officer, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association

Member Opening Statements:

Full Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA):

• He remarked that the Committee must work to provide rural communities with access to high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband internet.
  • He stated that the U.S.’s “digital divide” has left many Americans unable to access dependable and fast internet service and that these Americans lose opportunities to grow their businesses, acquire new skills, and engage in certain activities.
  • He added that these internet access challenges are present in many parts of his Congressional District.
• He highlighted how an increasing number of aspects of American society are now being conducted online and commented that this trend is having a negative impact on Americans that cannot access internet services.
• He asserted that the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is well-positioned to play a leadership role in the U.S.’s broadband strategy.
  • He highlighted how the USDA is unique among federal agencies focused on broadband deployment in that it has offices and devoted staff in all 50 states.
• He mentioned how the Committee has worked on a bipartisan basis to address digital disparities, including through the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also referred to as the 2018 Farm Bill).
• He lamented however that many of these policies and programs to address digital disparities remain dormant.
  • He indicated that many of these policies and programs address qualifying areas, long-term network viability, remote communities, and program integrity.
• He mentioned how the Committee had unanimously approved the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act during the previous 117th Congress and commented that this legislation would have supported rural broadband services.
  • He indicated that this legislation would have codified the USDA’s ReConnect Program and merged this Program with the USDA’s existing Broadband Program.
  • He also indicated that this legislation would have provided technical and financial assistance to rural communities seeking to improve their broadband connectivity, ensured accurate mapping of broadband connectivity in rural areas, protected taxpayers through ensuring that promised broadband services would be delivered to rural communities, supported middle-mile broadband infrastructure deployment, and funded distance learning and telemedicine capabilities.
• He remarked that the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act will serve as the foundation for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill’s broadband subtitle.
  • He indicated that the hearing would consider the USDA’s broadband internet programs, as well policies related to minimum eligibility requirements for broadband programs, buildout speed requirements, broadband workforce issues, supply chain issues, broadband mapping, agency coordination, and precision agriculture.
• He expressed interest in working with Full Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) on developing the broadband provisions in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.

Full Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA):

• He remarked that expanding access to high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband internet in rural areas will be a top priority for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
  • He commented that broadband internet access is key to facilitating communications, conducting business, scheduling appointments, enabling purchases, and obtaining information.
  • He also highlighted how broadband internet access can address longstanding inequalities related to health care, education, and workforce development.
• He lamented how most rural areas in the U.S. do not have access to broadband internet and asserted that Congress must address this issue.
• He discussed how the USDA has a long history of ensuring that rural areas have the necessary resources and investments to support modern infrastructure.
  • He highlighted how the USDA’s Rural Electrification Administration had been created to bring electricity to rural areas and now operates as the RUS.
• He noted how the RUS provides an array of loans, grants, and loan guarantees to support the delivery of broadband internet services, electricity, and drinking water to rural communities.
• He also mentioned how the USDA’s ReConnect Program has delivered a total of $3.86 billion to create and improve high-speed internet access for rural customers.
  • He expressed interest in working to codify the USDA’s ReConnect Program as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
• He remarked that the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill’s broadband internet programs should support the delivery of high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband internet services that can enable telehealth, precision agriculture, distance learning, and remote work.
• He asserted that all federal broadband internet investments must support “future-proof” and scalable broadband internet networks.
  • He commented that this will entail establishing progressive standards for speed and including considerations for affordability and overall network capacity.
• He then discussed how the IIJA had provided $65 billion for broadband infrastructure deployment.
  • He indicated that most of this law’s funding had gone toward the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
• He remarked that the U.S. must establish open lines of communication across the federal agencies tasked with expanding broadband internet coverage.
• He lastly contended that the USDA Rural Development must take the leading role in expanding high-speed internet to rural communities.

Witness Opening Statements:

The Hon. Jim Matheson (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association):

• He discussed how his organization, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), is the national service association for 900 electric cooperatives that serve 42 million people across 48 states.
  • He explained that these cooperatives are owned by the consumers that they serve and stated that this ownership structure provides cooperatives with unique insights into consumer needs.
  • He also stated that these cooperatives are “actively engaged” in many rural economic development efforts beyond electrification.
• He mentioned how over 200 of NRECA’s electric cooperatives are involved in rural broadband deployment efforts and compared these current rural broadband deployment efforts to previous rural electrification efforts.
  • He commented that building and maintaining broadband networks in sparsely populated areas with difficult terrains can be cost prohibitive for many cooperatives and indicated that there may be little return on this investment.
• He remarked that there exist “great opportunities” for the Committee to make improvements to the USDA’s broadband programs as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
  • He specifically recommended that the Committee make the USDA’s ReConnect Program permanent, provide “robust” funding for rural broadband services through the USDA, prioritize symmetrical speeds and scalable networks, and invest in middle-mile infrastructure.
• He discussed how broadband internet connectivity has become a necessity for businesses, education, and health care and commented that internet-based services have become an integral aspect of modern life.
• He mentioned how the Committee had advanced the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act during the previous 117th Congress and explained that this legislation would have made the USDA’s ReConnect Program permanent.
  • He also noted how this legislation would provide consistent funding to this Program moving forward.
• He remarked that Congress should prioritize scalable and “future-proof” broadband networks in any future rounds of federal broadband funding.
• He claimed that the U.S. is maintaining different standards for its accepted broadband speeds in urban areas versus rural areas.
  • He asserted that federal broadband funding ought to support high quality broadband services, regardless of location.
• He also recommended that the definition of an area that is unserved by broadband internet should be raised to include areas that do not have at least 100 Mbps download speed and 100 Mbps upload speed internet options.
  • He acknowledged that while building broadband networks in low-density and difficult to reach areas would be challenging, he asserted that Congress must prioritize networks that meet consumer demands and provide access to quality service.
• He called for streamlining the USDA’s ReConnect Program’s application process, which he described as time consuming and difficult.
  • He commented that the Program’s submission portal is not user friendly and that this difficulty particularly impacts smaller broadband internet providers.
• He further stated that the Committee should authorize a middle-mile program at the USDA and commented that access to this infrastructure can help to reduce the cost of deploying broadband infrastructure in rural areas.
• He then discussed how many electric cooperatives are increasingly deploying fiber infrastructure as part of their electric utility networks.
  • He indicated that this deployment enables high bandwidth and low latency internet communications systems to support electric utility operations.
• He highlighted how this fiber infrastructure helps to reduce energy costs and enables cooperatives to expand to other technology offerings, including distributed energy resources, electric vehicle (EV) access, and retail broadband services.
  • He noted how these cooperatives are leveraging excess fiber capacity from their internal communication systems to provide middle-mile access to other third-party providers, such as local cable providers, small telephone companies, and wireless internet service providers (WISPs).

Mr. James Assey (NCTA – The Internet & Television Association):

• He testified that the U.S. cable industry alone has invested over $185 billion to build and expand both the reach and the capabilities of its networks over the previous decade.
• He noted how 86 percent of the U.S. now has access to wired broadband services from a cable and/or fiber provider.
  • He indicated that two cable companies (Charter Communications and Comcast) reach roughly one-third of all rural homes and businesses.
  • He also indicated that 99 percent of the homes passed by cable networks in rural America can receive internet service at speeds of 100 Mbps or better.
• He acknowledged however that the U.S. still has significant areas where broadband internet’s ubiquity is frustrated by low population density and high construction and operation costs.
• He remarked that federal broadband internet programs, such as those administered under the USDA’s RUS, have the potential to overcome the aforementioned obstacles.
  • He highlighted how these programs offer assistance to encourage further investments in rural communities.
• He stated however that poorly designed federal broadband internet programs can result in government spending that may benefit individual companies without addressing broadband internet service challenges.
• He highlighted how Congress has recently provided an “unprecedented” number of resources to reduce digital disparities.
  • He mentioned how over $160 billion has been allocated over the previous four years at the federal level to support broadband internet expansion efforts.
  • He indicated that some of this federal funding is already supporting broadband infrastructure projects and that “far more” of this funding should be deployed in the future.
• He also mentioned how the U.S. is building better broadband availability maps that enable the U.S. to identify areas that lack broadband internet service.
  • He further stated that there are early signs of better coordination among competing government agencies that are tasked with similar broadband infrastructure deployment objectives.
• He expressed optimism that the aforementioned developments will help the U.S. to make significant progress in reducing the number of Americans that lack access to broadband internet services.
  • He warned however that federal broadband programs that are not properly designed, focused, and coordinated can lead resources to be squandered and many Americans to remain unserved by broadband internet.
• He made several recommendations to the Committee for designing its broadband policies.
  • He first recommended that the Committee provide greater clarity and focus in directing funding distributions to unserved areas.
  • He also recommended that the Committee modernize application requirements for broadband providers.
  • He further recommended that the Committee eliminate status-based scoring priorities and other preferences that thwart fair competition.
  • He lastly recommended that the Committee address execution challenges (such as permitting and access to utility poles) that can stall the efficient completion of construction projects.
• He indicated that the Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023 would implement several of the aforementioned recommendations and stated that this legislation contains reforms that will improve the focus, fairness, and efficiency of existing RUS programs.

Mr. David Zumwalt (WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries):

• He mentioned how WISPs serve 9 million Americans and deploy a variety of technologies (including fiber and wireless technologies) to deliver reliable broadband internet services.
  • He noted how most WISP subscribers live and work in rural areas that have been historically overlooked or unserved.
• He discussed how WISPs are community businesses that vary in terms of size and highlighted how WISPs had quickly adapted to changes in consumer broadband connectivity demands during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• He remarked that the U.S.’s digital disparities remain a persistent problem and commented that these disparities are particularly acute for U.S. farmers.
  • He emphasized the increasing importance of broadband connectivity to support many agricultural applications, including precision agriculture.
• He contended that all Americans should have access to broadband internet and stated that the Farm Bill could support these efforts.
  • He called it “critical” for the Farm Bill’s broadband programs to remain focused on truly unserved communities.
• He indicated that while his organization, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA), supports the goals of the USDA’s ReConnect Program, he warned that the Program risks undermining rural broadband expansion goals without careful structuring and a clear process.
• He contended that the USDA’s ReConnect Program should not require applicants to provide 100 Mbps symmetrical service.
  • He commented that rural consumers are not asking for 100 Mbps upload speeds and that these upload speeds do not represent what urban subscribers are actually using.
• He asserted that a symmetrical service requirement for the USDA’s ReConnect Program would effectively prevent many internet providers from applying for Program funding, which would leave many communities unconnected.
  • He commented that this requirement would force many communities to wait longer for broadband service when there already exist options for reliable broadband services.
• He stated that codifying symmetrical speed requirements will reduce the RUS’s flexibility, which could prevent or delay the deployment of broadband service to many rural areas.
• He noted how the USDA has defined sufficient access to broadband internet service as any rural area in which households have fixed terrestrial broadband service with100 Mbps download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds.
  • He called this standard “reasonable” and commented that it aligns with industry experience.
• He recommended that the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill continue to use this standard.
  • He raised concerns that a departure from this standard could result in broadband infrastructure overbuilding in communities that already possess broadband infrastructure.
• He also cautioned the Committee against subsidizing new broadband infrastructure construction in areas where broadband providers are already delivering reliable broadband services.
  • He commented that these subsidies waste taxpayer funds, distort the market, and delay broadband deployment efforts in needy areas.

Mr. Tom Stroup (Satellite Industry Association):

• He remarked that satellite communications are transforming the operation of U.S. farms and ranches and highlighted how satellites have unique attributes that can benefit farmers and ranchers.
  • He indicated that these attributes include the ability to cover broad geographies without the need for expensive terrestrial infrastructure, increased resilience, and the ability to be rapidly deployed.
• He also mentioned how recent innovations within the satellite industry have made the delivery of high quality and high-speed internet and internet of things (IoT) connectivity available across the U.S.
• He discussed how satellites provide internet service to rural and remote areas of the U.S. where it remains uneconomical for terrestrial internet services to deploy.
  • He commented that satellite internet providers offer speeds and prices that are comparable to terrestrial internet alternatives.
• He noted how satellite internet services are available to consumers in all 50 U.S. states today and deliver broadband speeds of up to 200 Mbps.
• He discussed how satellites are helping farmers to develop their farming strategies and to maximize their yields.
  • He highlighted how satellites support remote farms with livestock sensors, soil monitors, and autonomous farming equipment in rural America.
  • He also mentioned how precision global positioning system (GPS) technologies allow for farmers to increase their crop yields through optimizing their use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides and applying site-specific treatments to fields.
  • He further mentioned how earth imaging satellites provide high resolution imagery that enables farmers to determine when to plant, water, and fertilize their crops.
  • He lastly mentioned how satellite advances in weather forecasting help farmers to prepare for droughts, floods, and other adverse weather conditions.
• He stated that satellites are critical to 5G and IoT applications that will support future generations of farming technologies.
  • He noted how satellite communications enable the remote control of driverless tractors and network connectivity between equipment at large farms where equipment might not be in the same sight line.
  • He mentioned how John Deere estimates that between 50,000 and 100,000 of its machines will be connected to satellites by 2026.
• He discussed how nearly 8,000 active satellites are currently in orbit and noted how there are plans to launch tens of thousands of more satellites through the end of the decade.
  • He noted that individual geostationary communication satellites are being launched and indicated that these satellites provide greater capacity than some existing satellite fleets combined.
  • He added that costs are decreasing for both space and ground satellite systems, which has resulted in a 90 percent decrease in the cost of capacity over the previous eight years.
• He emphasized that satellite services are already available throughout the U.S. and do not require additional infrastructure build outs.
• He remarked that the U.S.’s finite resources and widely varying topographies necessitate a “flexible combination” of all available internet access technologies to address digital disparities.
• He stated that the Committee should prioritize seven items to increase broadband internet connectivity.
  • He first recommended that the Committee provide financial incentives or tax breaks to satellite internet providers to encourage their participation in rural broadband expansion efforts.
  • He recommended that the Committee allocate specific funds or grants to support the development and deployment of satellite projects (particularly those focused on serving rural and remote areas).
  • He recommended that the Committee pass legislation with technology inclusive language and requirements that would allow for flexibility and inclusivity in broadband deployment strategies.
  • He recommended that the Committee facilitate interagency collaboration to simplify and streamline the regulatory processes for satellite internet providers.
  • He recommended that the Committee ensure that sufficient spectrum resources are made available for satellite broadband and IoT providers to deliver high quality and high-speed services.
  • He recommended that the Committee encourage partnerships between satellite companies and other stakeholders (including local communities, educational institutions, and public agencies).
  • He lastly recommended that the Committee allocate funds for research and development (R&D) initiatives focused on advancing satellite technology, capacity, and affordability.

Mr. Bill Hurley (Association of Equipment Manufacturers):

• He discussed how the rural regions of the U.S. still experience digital disparities and highlighted how a large portion of the U.S. equipment manufacturing industry lives in rural areas.
• He stated that farmers and ranchers cannot take advantage of the benefits of precision agriculture technologies without access to reliable and affordable broadband connectivity.
• He discussed how precision agriculture technology supports sustainability through more efficient uses of critical inputs, including land, water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
  • He commented that the full adoption of precision agriculture could reduce the use of herbicides by 15 percent and the use of water by 21 percent.
• He noted however that only one-quarter of U.S. farms can leverage precision agriculture because of the U.S.’s lack of high-speed internet connectivity.
• He remarked that reliable internet connectivity and smart policies that help farmers and ranchers to adopt new broadband technologies will lead to a “transformative shift” in agricultural practices that drive productivity while conserving resources.
  • He commented that a multifaceted strategy that includes fiber optics, low-earth orbit satellites, and 5G communications technology will help to address the U.S.’s rural broadband connectivity disparities.
• He contended that the U.S. must pursue a technology neutral approach to broadband spending so that it can maximize the value derived from broadband technologies.
  • He asserted that the U.S.’s failure to take such an approach would result in even greater digital disparities.
• He also mentioned how other “game changing” technologies (such as soil and weather sensors, machine learning and autonomy, and equipment tracking) rely upon internet connectivity.
  • He commented that the U.S. must prioritize internet connectivity for the U.S.’s food supply chain.
• He then recommended that the Committee include two bipartisan bills in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill to support broadband internet technologies.
• He first stated that the Committee should include the Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023 as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
  • He explained that this legislation would establish the Precision Agriculture Loan Program at the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
  • He commented that loans at lower interest rates and extended terms will provide small- and mid-sized agriculture producers with the necessary tools to monitor, manage, and maximize their operations while “significantly” reducing their environmental impact.
• He also stated that the Committee should include the PRECISE Act as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
  • He explained that this legislation would designate precision agriculture as an applicable practice in the USDA’s EQIP.
• He remarked that the aforementioned bills provide an “all encompassing” approach for the adoption of precision agriculture technologies.
• He lastly called it imperative for the U.S. to ensure that rural areas of the U.S. have the same affordable and reliable internet connectivity options as the rest of the U.S.

Mrs. Shirley Bloomfield (NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association):

• She discussed how the members of her organization, NTCA, deploy “cutting edge” broadband networks in very rural areas throughout the U.S. and stated that these members are well-suited to reduce digital disparities.
  • She commented that small rural internet service providers (ISPs) are critical for expanding access to affordable and reliable internet services to rural Americans.
• She remarked that the USDA’s RUS has played a “very significant” role in enabling broadband deployment to date and called RUS “uniquely well-positioned” to reduce digital disparities for unserved Americans.
  • She commented that federal rural broadband deployment efforts should be assessed based on the quality, reliability, and affordability of the broadband being received through these efforts.
• She stated that the U.S. should construct rural broadband networks that are just as robust and reliable as the networks in urban areas.
• She contended that the 2023 Farm Bill should maintain high-speed symmetrical broadband networks with 100 Mbps download speeds and 100 Mbps upload speeds.
  • She noted how this threshold has been in place for several rounds of the USDA’s ReConnect Program and has led Program demand to outpace available Program funding.
  • She commented that this threshold ensures that the needs of rural consumers are being met, supports the efficient use of federal taxpayer funds, and promotes “meaningful” competition.
• She also remarked that close coordination between federal and state agencies will be essential to supporting rural broadband deployment efforts.
  • She commented that there are many unserved and underserved Americans with respect to broadband internet access and asserted that federal funds should not be used to overbuild broadband networks.
• She recommended that federal policymakers work with local stakeholders to identify broadband internet solutions in rural areas.
  • She suggested that federal policymakers leverage the expertise and experience of smaller community-based broadband internet providers to expand broadband internet access.
• She further called on the Committee to streamline historical preservation requirements and environmental reviews that often delay the deployment of broadband networks.
  • She testified that NTCA has members that had been awarded funding under the first round of the USDA’s ReConnect Program that have not yet received their funding due to these delays.
• She then thanked Committee Members for introducing the bipartisan ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023.
  • She explained that this legislation would ensure that broadband networks are being built with symmetrical download and upload speeds, strengthen agency coordination, and provide local providers with fair access to federal funding.
• She also applauded the Rural Broadband Modernization Act and commented that this legislation contains many of the same provisions found in the ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023.

Congressional Question Period:

Full Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA):

• Chairman Thompson remarked that the USDA is the “prime” federal body for addressing the needs of rural America. He commented that one of these needs is access to high quality broadband service. He highlighted how the USDA has received billions of dollars since the early 2000s to support this goal and has funded thousands of broadband projects. He asked Mr. Matheson, Mrs. Bloomfield, and Mr. Zumwalt to indicate whether the USDA is the best-suited federal body to address rural broadband connectivity issues.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that the USDA is “uniquely positioned” to address rural broadband connectivity issues. He stated that the USDA (and its RUS) has a strong understanding of rural America and how to provide utility services in expensive and hard-to-serve areas. He remarked that the USDA’s participation in broadband deployment efforts has pushed other federal agencies to more aggressively deploy broadband services and to adopt faster speed requirements. He concluded that the USDA’s RUS should play an “active” role in rural broadband development efforts.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that NTCA’s members have long used the USDA’s RUS as their primary banker. She stated that the RUS had been a pioneer in funding much of the U.S.’s broadband network infrastructure. She also noted how the RUS has general field representatives that can identify where broadband infrastructure needs to be deployed. She acknowledged that while there exist other federal and state broadband funding programs, she stated that the RUS has been a leader in ensuring that rural parts of the U.S. have broadband connectivity.
  • Mr. Zumwalt noted how most of WISPA’s members have had success in other broadband programs outside of the USDA’s RUS programs. He indicated that some WISPA members are participating in RUS programs. He remarked that the USDA should play a leadership role in addressing rural broadband connectivity issues because of its longstanding history representing the interests of farmers and their communities. He noted however that the RUS has historically worked more with cooperatives than with WISPs. He called on the USDA to collaborate with other federal agencies tasked with broadband deployment efforts. He stated that the FCC’s National Broadband Map is important for supporting this coordination and protecting against duplicative spending. He concluded by expressing support for the USDA’s efforts to reduce digital disparities.
• Chairman Thompson then discussed how a December 2022 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that some broadband infrastructure stakeholders are concerned over the broadband infrastructure deployment industry’s ability to attract sufficient numbers of workers. He also stated that rural areas continue to experience a lack of skilled workers in many key sectors, including telecommunications. He asked Mr. Assey to discuss how the U.S. can strengthen private workforce development opportunities and grow labor opportunities for telecommunications sector workers.
  • Mr. Assey discussed how NCTA’s members need a skilled workforce to regularly extend and upgrade their broadband networks. He commented that these needs exist regardless of whether these members are receiving federal funding. He testified that the NCTA works with private industry groups to ensure that there exists available workforce certification and development. He remarked that the U.S. will need more telecommunications sector workers if it wants to rapidly build broadband networks and noted that the telecommunications sector must compete with other infrastructure sectors for workers. He expressed NCTA’s interest in working with Congress on addressing workforce issues.

Full Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA):

• Ranking Member Scott noted how the USDA has been the only federal department with the primary mission of serving rural America since the enactment of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. He contended that the USDA’s strong presence in rural communities across the U.S. makes it the best equipped federal body to meet the needs of rural communities. He noted however that the USDA had only received $2 billion of the IIJA’s $65 billion in funding for broadband infrastructure deployment efforts. He also mentioned how the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act would have invested $43.2 billion in the USDA’s ReConnect Program to reach underserved areas. He asked the witnesses to discuss the importance of providing the USDA with the leadership role in deploying broadband services to rural America. He also asked the witnesses to comment on the level of financial resources that will be necessary for the U.S. to achieve universal broadband connectivity.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that the USDA had a strong understanding of rural America’s needs and has prioritized these needs in their broadband infrastructure spending. He discussed the importance of access to affordable internet service for rural areas and noted how electric cooperatives serve 92 percent of the U.S.’s persistent poverty counties. He contended that broadband service investments in these counties support economic development and expressed support for the involvement of the USDA’s RUS in federal broadband deployment efforts.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that the USDA has the best understanding of the needs of rural America of all federal departments and agencies. She asserted that broadband connectivity will be key to connecting rural Americans to education and health care services and enabling the use of precision agriculture. She stated that the USDA’s understanding of these needs has led the Department to set higher broadband service standards than other federal bodies and programs. She specifically contended that symmetrical speed requirements will be key to ensuring that rural Americans have adequate access to broadband services.
  • Mr. Stroup noted how WISP infrastructure is deployed in space, which means that it does not cost WISPs more to provide broadband service coverage to rural America. He stated that WISPs would use additional federal funding to support their Earth stations. He remarked that the USDA has an important role to play in deploying broadband services to rural America. He also stated that the USDA should coordinate its broadband funding with other federal departments and agencies.
• Ranking Member Scott asked the witnesses to indicate whether the USDA is best-suited to lead federal efforts to deploy broadband services to rural areas.
• Note: Ranking Member Scott’s question period time expired here.

Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR):

• Rep. Crawford asked Mrs. Bloomfield to provide recommendations for how Congress could support the long-term broadband needs of consumers (particularly with respect to federal broadband deployment loan and grant programs).
  • Mrs. Bloomfield discussed how rural broadband providers often must travel long distances to perform repairs and stated that new technologies could reduce these operational expenses. She also remarked that many rural areas are “on the cusp” of receiving critical services, such as telemedicine. She stated that deploying “future-proof” broadband networks will benefit rural areas and help the U.S. to avoid future upgrade costs.
• Rep. Crawford then asked Mrs. Bloomfield to provide recommendations for streamlining coordination across federal departments and agencies to avoid duplicative broadband spending and project reviews.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield mentioned how the FCC’s National Broadband Map will be released very soon. She stated that Congress should ensure that federal departments and agencies work to update broadband availability maps as they allocate broadband funds. She commented that these continued updates will ensure that federal broadband funds will first go to truly unserved areas. She asserted that coordination across federal departments and agencies on broadband deployment efforts will become even more important in 2024 when the NTIA starts to make BEAD Program funding available.
• Rep. Crawford further asked Mrs. Bloomfield to discuss how NTCA’s member organizations have worked with the USDA to advocate for resource allocations for their projects.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield noted how NTCA’s members have long used USDA financing programs to support their telephone and broadband infrastructure projects. She called for streamlining the federal review process for these infrastructure projects. She contended that broadband infrastructure projects involving previously disturbed areas should not need to undergo duplicative regulatory review processes. She noted how the USDA is also facing workforce shortages and commented that the USDA cannot process much of the recently allocated broadband infrastructure funding. She remarked however that the USDA’s experience in supporting rural infrastructure makes it well-positioned to manage rural broadband infrastructure deployment efforts.
• Rep. Crawford then expressed interest in how broadband internet impacts precision agriculture applications. He asked Mr. Hurley to provide recommendations for how Congress could help agriculture equipment manufacturers better meet the needs of rural America.
  • Mr. Hurley recommended that Congress advance the Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023, the PRECISE Act, and the Promoting Precision Agriculture Act of 2023. He commented that these bipartisan bills will support the implementation of precision agriculture technologies across rural America.

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA):

• Rep. McGovern remarked that access to high-speed internet is important for enabling many Americans to work, pursue education, and obtain health care services. He lamented how many Americans (including 16 percent of Massachusetts residents) lack access to high-speed internet. He commended Congress’s recent actions to address digital disparities. He highlighted how the IIJA had included the largest federal broadband investment in U.S. history and indicated that this law will bring over $100 million to Massachusetts. He added that Massachusetts had received $145 million as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to expand rural broadband services. He called it imperative for the Committee to carefully approach the broadband provisions in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. He raised concerns over calls to reduce the standards for federal funding recipients seeking to build out rural broadband networks. He mentioned how Charter Communications (which is a member of the NCTA) has a large presence in the rural parts of his Congressional District. He asked Mr. Assey to define the phrase “future-proofing” as it relates to broadband infrastructure deployment and to answer whether the broadband networks of NCTA members are future-proofed.
  • Mr. Assey remarked that future-proofed broadband networks are those that can meet the growing needs of society and are scalable. He stated that current cable networks can increase their capabilities without requiring significant new capital investments. He noted how 99 percent of cable networks that pass through homes in rural America already have 100 Mbps speed capabilities. He stated that the U.S. is quickly moving toward the next iteration of cable technology, which will offer multi-gigabit connections in terms of both upload and download speeds. He expressed confidence that the U.S.’s current broadband cable networks are future-proof.
• Rep. McGovern asked Mr. Assey to provide recommendations for ensuring that broadband networks are future-proofed so that internet speeds will be fast enough to support future needs and uses.
  • Mr. Assey remarked that policymakers must balance between choosing a minimum level of broadband performance that will meet near-term needs and ensuring that chosen technologies and platforms can scale up to support future capabilities. He stated that policymakers must be vigilant to avoid choosing standards that will advantage specific types of platforms and that might discourage other types of solutions that may be better suited to particular environments.
• Rep. McGovern called it “crucial” for the U.S. to take advantage of the current historic levels of broadband infrastructure funding and to ensure broadband options that meet future needs. He stated that rural America has diverse broadband needs and that the U.S. cannot take a “one size fits all” approach to addressing these needs. He asked the witnesses to address how the U.S. can connect unserved and underserved areas to broadband internet services.
  • Mr. Assey remarked that economic dynamics often cause the people most in need of broadband services to access these services last. He stated that the U.S. must pursue policies that will prioritize the provision of access to broadband services for unserved Americans.
• Rep. McGovern lastly commented that the U.S. cannot overlook the importance of affordability when working to expand access to broadband services.

Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC):

• Rep. Rouzer discussed how Americans require broadband connectivity to access their health care, business, and education needs. He noted how the NTIA indicates that the federal government currently maintains 80 broadband programs, including nine housed within the USDA. He mentioned how many of these federal broadband programs have received and dispensed large amounts of money in recent years and added that many states maintain their own broadband programs. He called it crucial for the U.S. to keep track of where broadband services are being deployed. He noted how the North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office uses the NC OneMap to visualize data collected by the state and other resources related to broadband availability and adoption. He asked the witnesses to discuss how federal and state policymakers are keeping track of broadband projects (both deployed and in the deployment pipeline) to ensure that underserved areas are addressed and that overbuilding does not occur.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield mentioned how NTCA had several North Carolina members that have participated in both state and federal broadband programs. She called it important for there to exist coordination across these programs so that government agencies know where broadband deployment should take place. She also stated that government agencies must ensure that broadband funding recipients are fulfilling their deployment commitments. She commented that failure to provide such oversight will lead many unserved areas to continue to lack broadband connectivity. She predicted that the NTIA will ensure that its BEAD Program funding distributions are coordinated with other government broadband funding distributions.
  • Mr. Zumwalt emphasized that the intent of government broadband programs is to expand access to broadband services to unserved individuals. He remarked that the U.S. has not expanded access to broadband services fast enough and asserted that this effort must incorporate every available technology to meet the U.S.’s broadband needs. He discussed his experience running a WISP and testified that less than 5 percent of his customers had ever requested or required symmetrical download and upload speeds. He indicated that these customers included government agencies, enterprises, academic institutions, and residential customers. He noted how consumers tend to demand faster download speeds than upload speeds. He commented that policymakers should be cognizant of this dynamic.
• Rep. Rouzer commented that many government departments and agencies often do not coordinate their programs with the programs of other government departments and agencies. He then discussed how broadband technology is rapidly changing. He asked the witnesses to address how they are preparing for future broadband technologies.
  • Mr. Zumwalt remarked that the total cost of ownership will dictate the actions of carriers. He stated that markets are very effective at determining the best technologies to use. He noted how broadband carriers tend to upgrade their networks in response to changing market demands.

Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC):

• Rep. Adams discussed how digital disparities disproportionately impact her constituents mentioned how a recent report from the Center for Digital Equity had estimated that 21 percent of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina households had at best dial up speeds for their home internet. She noted how this report had also found that 14 percent of the county’s households had no internet at all. She highlighted how communities of color (especially African Americans) disproportionately lack access to broadband services and noted how these problems are present at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). She stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had shown how crucial broadband internet access is for education, medicine, and finding employment. She asked the witnesses to address how the U.S. can ensure that people living in unserved and underserved communities are able to afford high-speed and high-quality broadband internet services after the services have been deployed.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield discussed how IIJA had created the ACP that supports the ability of low-income Americans to access broadband internet services. She noted how NTCA’s member carriers are working to publicize the ACP to Americans that cannot afford broadband internet services. She raised concerns however that the ACP’s funding will be exhausted within the next two years. She stated that the ACP has been “very important” in terms of promoting digital equity and inclusion.
• Rep. Adams asked the other witnesses to discuss how their organizations and the members of their organizations are working to address digital disparities.
  • Mr. Assey stated that the NCTA’s member companies are also working to ensure that their customers can obtain broadband services through the ACP. He mentioned how NCTA is working with many trusted digital navigators and civic organizations to publicize the ACP and the benefits of broadband internet access.
  • Mr. Zumwalt expressed hope that Congress will extend the ACP. He also stated that broadband service providers are looking to keep their operational costs low so that they can pass along savings to their customers.
• Rep. Adams then asked the witnesses to identify lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic that should inform Congress’s development of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
  • Mr. Zumwalt remarked that Congress should prioritize efforts to extend broadband services to unserved communities before working to expand broadband services to communities already receiving broadband internet services.
  • Mr. Assey expressed agreement with Mr. Zumwalt’s response.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that broadband services must have sufficient speeds, be scalable, and be affordable.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield expressed agreement with the previous responses.

Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK):

• Rep. Lucas noted how the USDA’s ReConnect Program had been established under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018. He discussed how this legislation had provided the USDA with the authority to make grants and loans for the construction of retail broadband networks in rural America. He noted that the ReConnect Program has since become the USDA’s most funded broadband program and has received almost $2.5 billion. He stated that the ReConnect Program has minimal program parameters, which provides the USDA with broad discretion over how the Program’s rules should apply during each funding round. He commented that this dynamic has led to varying standards and rules across funding rounds. He remarked that bringing the ReConnect Program under the 2023 Farm Bill will provide the Committee with an opportunity to reform, improve, and authorize this “key” broadband program. He asked the witnesses to recommend important program parameters for the ReConnect Program that should be adopted to ensure that the ReConnect Program is more effective and consistent. He also asked the witnesses to identify the flexibilities for the ReConnect Program that should be maintained or included to ensure that rural consumer and business needs are met.
  • Rep. Matheson first remarked that the USDA’s ReConnect Program ought to be addressed through the 2023 Farm Bill. He stated that the fact that the ReConnect Program had been created through the appropriations process has resulted in a lack of certainty and consistency. He then remarked that Congress should prioritize minimum speeds and scalability for the future. He noted how the 2018 Farm Bill had only considered minimum broadband speed standards of 25 Mbps for download speeds and 3 Mbps for upload speeds. He contended that the U.S. should not underestimate its future broadband needs and be prepared to adopt more aggressive broadband speed requirements. He also stated that the U.S. should continue to invest in middle-mile broadband infrastructure as part of the 2023 Farm Bill. He mentioned how electric cooperatives invest significantly in middle-mile technology and commented that this technology can support the deployment of rural broadband services.
  • Mr. Assey remarked that Congress should reform the RUS’s eligibility rules and commented that many of the RUS’s current rules and processes are ill-suited for many companies that offer broadband services. He contended that the U.S. should make it easier for the companies to participate in the USDA’s ReConnect Program. He also called for Congress to provide guidance for how to evaluate broadband projects. He stated that many of the current metrics for evaluating broadband projects appear to be artificial and designed to achieve a particular result (rather than improve broadband performance in particular areas).
  • Mr. Zumwalt remarked that the USDA’s ReConnect Program should be technology neutral and commented that such neutrality would be consistent with the IIJA. He also stated that the ReConnect Program should focus on addressing unserved Americans rather than promoting the adoption of a specific technology. He testified that most of WISPA’s members are deploying fiber infrastructure, even though WISPA is focused on WISPs. He stated that WISPA is finding that most of its residential broadband subscribers are not even using more than 50 Mbps of their download speeds, even if they have gigabit download speeds. He commented that internet speed tests are not indicative of customer internet usage. He remarked that broadband internet speed requirements might therefore not reflect current or future internet speed needs.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA):

• Rep. Spanberger discussed how many communities within her Congressional District experience digital disparities and stated that investments from ARPA and the IIJA are making it possible for her commonwealth of Virginia to achieve universal broadband service. She attributed Virginia’s success in deploying broadband internet services to the coordination of federal, state, and local broadband deployment efforts and to Virginia’s building of relationships with rural electric cooperatives, WISPs, and localities. She asked the witnesses to provide examples of states that are pursuing wise broadband deployment strategies.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield mentioned how very few states had historically possessed broadband offices. She noted that all states must now establish broadband offices to qualify for BEAD Program funding and submit plans to the NTIA regarding how they intend to use this funding. She remarked that state broadband offices can be leveraged to coordinate broadband infrastructure deployment efforts across the federal and state governments. She noted how these state broadband offices can use both federal and state broadband availability maps to identify gaps in broadband coverage.
  • Mr. Assey expressed agreement with Mrs. Bloomfield’s response. He remarked that Virginia’s work to coordinate its broadband deployment efforts need to be replicated at a greater scale at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Rep. Spanberger also discussed the importance of ensuring that states have flexibility in their ability to spend federal broadband infrastructure funds.

Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL):

• Rep. Miller mentioned how she had previously supported bipartisan rural broadband legislation and commented that broadband access is critical for U.S. farmers and rural communities. She then mentioned how several of her constituents have asserted that state broadband availability maps are better than federal broadband availability maps. She asked the witnesses to provide suggestions for improving coordination across federal and state governments on broadband availability maps.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that the FCC’s challenge process for its National Broadband Map will be important for improving the accuracy of broadband availability maps. She noted how state broadband offices must conduct stakeholder meetings throughout their states, which can provide them with better insights into the actual state of broadband availability. She noted how broadband availability maps are always evolving and commented that policymakers must constantly be working to update these maps.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that federal and state governments are currently working together to improve the accuracy of broadband availability maps. He stated that the FCC’s challenge process for its National Broadband Map will continue to drive improvements for the Map’s accuracy. He commented that state engagement in this challenge process will be key to improving the FCC’s National Broadband Map.
• Rep. Miller then noted how several of her constituents have reported that their local broadband providers have experienced challenges in signing up for USDA broadband programs. She asked the witnesses to indicate whether any of the members of their organizations had experienced challenges signing up for USDA broadband programs. She also asked the witnesses to provide recommendations for improving the USDA’s application process.
  • Mr. Assey testified that NCTA’s members have previously experienced challenges signing up for USDA broadband programs. He stated that NCTA’s companies often face “informal roadblocks” when applying for the USDA’s broadband programs because these programs have traditionally not been designed for large cable operators. He highlighted how the proposed Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023 will leverage the notice and comment process to develop alternative methods for companies to demonstrate financial viability and security. He stated that the U.S. should work to get qualified companies to participate in the USDA’s programs.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that the USDA’s broadband programs are very competitive. She commented that the fact that there is so much demand for funding from these programs should constitute a good sign. She stated that the USDA (and the RUS in particular) face staffing shortages, which can delay the processing of program applications. She also called the USDA’s application portal antiquated. She remarked that improving the efficiency of the application process for these programs would enable the faster deployment of broadband funds.
  • Mr. Stroup remarked that Congress should specify that satellite and other service providers are eligible to participate in the USDA’s broadband programs. He noted that while Congress may have intended for the laws governing these programs to be technology neutral, he stated that these laws are not always technology neutral in practice.
• Rep. Miller then mentioned how many broadband stakeholders have raised concerns over permitting processes for broadband projects located on federal lands within existing rights of way. She noted that these permitting processes may take up to three years to obtain an approval. She asked Mr. Matheson to discuss the experiences of NRECA’s members working with these permitting agencies and to provide recommendations for how Congress can expedite these review processes.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that lengthy permitting processes for broadband projects located on federal lands within existing rights of way are a problem for NRECA members. He stated that many broadband projects must navigate multiple federal agencies that do not communicate with one another, which can create frustration for the party pursuing the project. He applauded recent permitting reforms, including those included in the recently enacted Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. He stated that Congress must build upon these reforms and establish appropriate time limits on the permitting process. He also stated that Congress must promote coordination across federal permitting agencies, especially for projects involving Western federal lands.
• Rep. Miller acknowledged that her question period time had expired.

Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH):

• Rep. Brown remarked that access to high-speed affordable internet has become a necessity for modern work and life. She stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the U.S.’s digital disparities and highlighted how almost one-third of Cleveland, Ohio households lack internet access. She noted how these internet access issues had caused Cleveland Municipal School District to delay its transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic’s early weeks. She commented that Cleveland Municipal School District’s experience was not unique. She remarked that accurate and detailed mapping of fixed and mobile broadband service is very important for identifying unserved areas. She asked Mrs. Bloomfield to indicate what should be considered a minimum acceptable speed when evaluating if a household is serviced.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield expressed support for the USDA’s current broadband service threshold of 100 Mbps download speeds and 100 Mbps upload speeds. She testified that NTCA’s members are observing a “huge” demand from consumers for high broadband services and stated that 100 Mbps symmetrical speeds are necessary for supporting multiple internet-connected devices. She warned that the U.S.’s failure to maintain a 100 Mbps symmetrical speed standard would constitute a missed opportunity. She also remarked that a 100 Mbps symmetrical speed standard would be technology neutral and noted how many fixed wireless broadband providers have indicated that they can provide these download and upload speeds. She asserted that a 100 Mbps symmetrical speed standard would be key to satisfying both current and future broadband customer demands.
• Rep. Brown asked Mrs. Bloomfield to indicate whether minimum broadband download speeds of 100 Mbps and minimum broadband upload speeds of 100 Mbps would satisfy future broadband customer demands.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield answered affirmatively.
• Rep. Brown then asked Mrs. Bloomfield to recommend improvements and investments that the Committee could make to ensure accurate and reliable broadband availability maps.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that broadband availability maps will be key for identifying areas unserved by broadband service. She stated that the U.S. must ensure that it possesses an adequate process for determining broadband availability. She commented that this effort will entail continued investments in federal broadband mapping. She also stated that these maps should provide information on whether areas have broadband service, the speed of available broadband service options, and the available broadband service technologies.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that the U.S.’s broadband availability maps should be consistent over time. He stated that many broadband providers might seek to boost their coverage capabilities when tests are occurring to provide a false impression of strong coverage. He asserted that the U.S. must work to ensure the integrity of their broadband availability maps.
• Rep. Brown then mentioned how the IIJA had established the ACP to provide targeted broadband service discounts for low-income households and tribal communities. She noted how the most recent funding round of the USDA’s ReConnect Program grants requires applicants to participate in the ACP to ensure that households can afford internet access. She asked the witnesses to recommend additional measures that the Committee can take in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill to improve the affordability and reliability of high-quality broadband services.
  • Mr. Assey remarked that continuing to strengthen and extend support for the ACP will be important, regardless of whether it occurs in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill or in another piece of legislation. He stated that the ACP is key to both helping low-income families to purchase broadband and to supporting the construction of broadband infrastructure. He explained that the ACP provides broadband infrastructure providers with assurances that there will exist sufficient demand for their deployed services in currently unserved areas. He commented that these assurances will make the broadband infrastructure providers more willing to pursue broadband infrastructure projects in these unserved areas.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that Congress should ensure that the ACP possesses advertising resources. She noted that the people in need of the ACP are by definition not connected to the internet, which means that online advertisements will not be effective at driving ACP participation. She suggested that policymakers consider engaging libraries and local community leaders to drive awareness of the ACP. She mentioned how one NTCA member in Minnesota travels to tribal communities by van to provide personal assistance with ACP applications and internet education. She stated that community broadband providers have strong incentives to drive internet adoption and commented that internet adoption will support the long-term health of communities. She further stated that Congress must ensure sustained funding for the ACP.

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD):

• Rep. Johnson discussed how the internet’s value largely stems from network effects and asserted that expanding broadband services to rural America will therefore benefit all Americans. He then mentioned how Mrs. Bloomfield’s testimony had referenced an Ookla study that found that the U.S.’s average broadband download speeds were 179 Mbps in 2021 and that the U.S.’s average broadband upload speeds were 65 Mbps in 2021. He mentioned the concept of Nielsen’s law, which indicates that a user’s broadband speed increases by 50 percent per year (all other things being equal). He noted how Mrs. Bloomfield’s testimony had stated that the U.S.’s broadband download speeds are projected to grow to 1,500 Mbps by 2030 and that the U.S.’s broadband upload speeds are projected to grow to 599 Mbps by 2030. He mentioned how the Telecommunications Act of 1996 includes a key provision that states that internet rates and service in rural areas must be “reasonably comparable” to those found in urban areas. He expressed agreement with Mrs. Bloomfield’s contention that the U.S. should not invest in broadband networks that will have “woefully antiquated” speeds in future years. He provided Mrs. Bloomfield with an opportunity to elaborate on this contention.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that the U.S. can provide even more broadband-enabled applications in rural America. She discussed how NTCA’s members support the delivery of health care services to tens of thousands of rural Americans and stated that fast internet speeds are key to supporting these services. She further stated that the future demand for these services remains unknowable.
• Rep. Johnson asserted that the U.S. should not use technology neutrality as a guise to weaken broadband internet standards. He highlighted how the members of the NRECA, the NCTA, the WISPA, and the Satellite Industry Association are providing high speed internet options for their customers. He reiterated his assertion that the U.S. should not weaken broadband internet standards as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. He stated that U.S. broadband networks can and should be built to last for long periods of time.

Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS):

• Rep. Davids discussed the need to address the U.S.’s digital disparities and stated that broadband service is key for supporting telemedicine, education, and small businesses (including family farms). She mentioned how her Congressional District includes three rural counties and noted how as much as 32 percent of the farms in these counties lack internet access according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. She commented that this lack of broadband service creates problems for farmers and agriculture producers and prevents them from using innovative agriculture technologies. She remarked that Congress must ensure that broadband programs, including the USDA’s ReConnect Program and the NTIA’s BEAD Program, are not using overly restrictive definitions for what constitutes an unserved area. She asked the witnesses to address whether there exists a threshold for the term “unserved” that would promote expanded broadband access and not result in the overbuilding of broadband infrastructure in already served areas.
  • Mr. Zumwalt remarked that Congress should prioritize extending broadband service to unserved communities. He discussed how definitions of underserved areas will be based on understandings of broadband speed and stated that changes in speed standards will lead many existing networks to experience overbuilding using federal funds. He commented that this overbuilding will waste taxpayer funds and not meaningfully address the U.S.’s broadband connection challenges.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that the U.S. must also address areas with substandard broadband technologies and service. He asserted that the U.S. must provide the same level of broadband service to rural and urban areas. He warned that restricting federal broadband funds to areas defined as unserved will lead many Americans living in underserved areas to have inadequate broadband service.
  • Mr. Assey remarked that the U.S. should work to prioritize providing broadband internet services to underserved and unserved Americans as part of any new broadband internet infrastructure deployment efforts. He noted how an area may be considered unserved for the purposes of federal broadband programs if 50 percent of the homes in the area lack sufficient broadband service. He noted however that the remaining 50 percent of the homes in this area may have very fast internet speeds. He warned that this situation could result in the federal government subsidizing areas that already have sufficient broadband infrastructure. He commented that this situation would undermine private investments in rural America and result in inefficient capital allocations.
• Rep. Davids requested that remaining witnesses submit written responses to her question.

Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN):

• Rep. Baird discussed how farm machinery that uses precision agriculture techniques and technologies requires access to high-speed internet. He then remarked that there exist discrepancies between the FCC’s National Broadband Map and the U.S.’s actual broadband coverage situation. He mentioned how the FCC had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the NTIA to share data on how the agencies are implementing their broadband programs. He indicated that this data includes broadband availability map information. He asked Mr. Matheson to discuss how Congress can strengthen the coordination between the FCC and the NTIA.
  • Mr. Matheson highlighted how Congress has already taken actions to encourage the improvement of federal broadband availability maps. He noted how the FCC had released the first version of their National Broadband Map in 2022 and indicated that there is an ongoing challenge process that allows parties to identify errors in the FCC’s National Broadband Map. He commented that this challenge process will enhance the accuracy of this Map. He also remarked that states will play an important role in the FCC’s National Broadband Map’s challenge process. He concluded that the U.S. is making progress in terms of improving the accuracy of the FCC’s National Broadband Map.
• Rep. Baird then mentioned how precision agriculture technologies enable farmers to increase their crop yields through optimizing the applications of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. He also noted how earth imaging satellites provide farmers with high resolution imagery to determine when to plant, water, or monitor their crops. He asked Mr. Stroup to discuss how satellite technology services could address broadband coverage gaps in remote areas where other technologies may not be suitable.
  • Mr. Stroup remarked that one of the key advantages of satellite technology is its ubiquitous coverage and noted how this coverage is comparable across different geographies. He stated that this ubiquitous coverage enables satellite technology to support broadband connectivity in rural areas where other technologies may not be suitable.
• Rep. Baird provided the other witnesses with an opportunity to respond to his previous questions.
  • Mr. Zumwalt applauded the FCC’s actions thus far to improve the National Broadband Map. He predicted that there is significant work to be completed over the next two years to develop accurate broadband availability maps. He expressed optimism that the FCC will successfully develop accurate broadband availability maps.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield recommended that Committee Members meet with their community broadband providers during the upcoming August Congressional recess. She suggested that Committee Members observe the precision agriculture applications currently being deployed.

Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO):

• Rep. Caraveo mentioned how she is a doctor and stated that accessible health care is one of her highest policy priorities. She lamented how her state of Colorado has experienced a slew of rural hospital closures over the previous several decades, which has forced many rural residents to travel far distances to receive health care services. She commented that this situation is driving health care disparities for rural residents. She remarked that the Committee has several opportunities to improve health care outcomes through broadband programs. She indicated that these programs support the construction of broadband infrastructure and provide the equipment needed to support telemedicine. She asked the witnesses to address the broadband speeds and/or specific network characteristics that are necessary for supporting telemedicine.
  • Mr. Zumwalt mentioned how he had previously worked with an urgent care center and noted how this center had used gigabit internet speeds for their urgent care facility (which included imaging). He emphasized that this center’s use of gigabit internet speeds was for in-facility activities and did not support interactions between the facility and remote patients via telehealth.  He noted how telehealth patients are generally using residential broadband services. He stated that Congress should work to ensure that broadband service providers can support health care facilities that require more broadband services.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield mentioned how NTCA works closely with the National Rural Health Association. She noted how the National Rural Health Association has called for the establishment of symmetrical upload and download speed requirements of 100 Mbps so that they can quickly transfer medical files electronically. She mentioned how one NTCA member had installed ground fiber infrastructure to facilitate telehealth offerings in their community. She stated that telehealth enables patients to receive care in their community settings and avoid burdensome travel.
• Rep. Caraveo then expressed interest in working to build out broadband networks that will support further adoption of precision agriculture technologies. She asked the witnesses to discuss the equipment or technologies that will be needed to expand broadband coverage to fields. She also asked the witnesses to identify common barriers that farmers face when seeking to incorporate precision agriculture technologies into their operations.
  • Mr. Hurley remarked that expanding broadband service to cover fields will be key to increasing the adoption of precision agriculture technologies. He highlighted how precision agriculture technologies can drive higher crop yields and lower agriculture inputs. He remarked that the U.S. must take a neutral approach to investing in broadband technologies and noted that these broadband technologies could include satellite, wireless, or fiber. He commented that this broadband service will be key to supporting precision agriculture technologies and the ability of farming equipment to communicate with other farming equipment.
  • Mr. Assey noted that precision agriculture is one of many broadband business applications. He remarked that the U.S. will need to provide broadband service to all parts of a farm’s land (rather than just the residence and business facilities) to enable the deployment of business agriculture technologies. He stated that the U.S. will need to employ hybrid solutions to extend broadband connectivity to farms. He elaborated that this could involve the use of cable or fiber technology to extend broadband service to a particular area and then the use of unlicensed spectrum, 5G communications technology, or Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum to support field-wide connectivity.

Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA):

• Rep. Feenstra expressed interest in exploring the benefits of precision agriculture technologies and commented that these technologies could help to alleviate rising input cost pressures for farmers. He highlighted how precision agriculture technologies can significantly reduce herbicide, fertilizer, and water costs and increase crop yields. He stated however that these precision agriculture technologies are very expensive and noted that many smaller agriculture producers cannot afford these technologies. He mentioned how he had proposed the Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023, which would establish a USDA loan program for supporting precision agriculture technology purchases. He asked Mr. Hurley to discuss the importance of the Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023 and to address how the Committee can work to expand access to precision agriculture technologies for smaller agriculture producers.
  • Mr. Hurley noted how precision agriculture technologies are continuing to advance and commented that farmers should view these technologies as investments. He stated that precision agriculture technologies are scalable and commented that farmers and ranchers can adopt these technologies incrementally. He expressed support for the Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023 and the PRECISE Act. He commented that these bills will support the expansion of precision agriculture technologies.
• Rep. Feenstra expressed agreement with Mr. Hurley’s response and reiterated that precision agriculture technologies can reduce input costs. He expressed interest in using the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill as a vehicle for promoting precision agriculture technologies. He then discussed how Iowa has 120 locally-owned community-based broadband providers. He mentioned how he had introduced the Rural Broadband Modernization Act. He noted how this bill would define unserved areas as those with 90 percent of households not having 100 Mbps download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds. He highlighted how this threshold for unserved areas had recently been reduced to areas with 50 percent of households not having 100 Mbps download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds. He asked Mrs. Bloomfield to comment on why this change is concerning and to discuss the importance of the 90 percent threshold.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield first thanked Rep. Feenstra for introducing the Rural Broadband Modernization Act. She then discussed how most federal broadband programs (including the USDA’s ReConnect Program and the NTIA’s BEAD Program) define unserved areas as those with 80 or 90 percent of households not having 100 Mbps download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds. She raised concerns over proposals to reduce these thresholds to 50 percent of households and warned that these proposals would encourage the overbuilding of broadband infrastructure in certain areas. She commented that this overbuilding is especially problematic given the limited nature of federal broadband funding.
• Rep. Feenstra expressed agreement with Mrs. Bloomfield’s concerns over the use of a 50 percent threshold for defining unserved areas.

Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR):

• Rep. Salinas noted how Congress has allocated billions of dollars to build out broadband capacity in unserved and underserved areas across the U.S. She expressed concerns that state governments, local governments, and small providers might face challenges successfully navigating this buildout while keeping track of the USDA’s ongoing opportunities. She expressed interest in ensuring that the U.S. provides robust technical assistance to these governments and providers as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill so that they can access federal programs. She asked Mr. Matheson to indicate whether the USDA’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program provides adequate assistance to help rural utilities, cooperatives, and small businesses to access federal broadband funding opportunities.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that the USDA’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program does provide adequate assistance to help stakeholders access federal broadband funding opportunities. He noted how the broadband infrastructure is capital intensive by nature and mentioned how many of NRECA’s members hire third-party entities to perform feasibility analyses for their projects.
• Rep. Salinas then asked the witnesses to provide recommendations for removing access barriers for smaller broadband providers to USDA broadband funding opportunities.
  • Mr. Assey remarked that broadband deployment will require a “whole of government” approach and stated that the U.S. must promote greater consistency and greater coordination across federal broadband programs. He specifically suggested that the U.S. develop standardized application forms across government agencies.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield recommended that Congress work to create opportunities for collaboration between the USDA and other stakeholders, such as local municipalities and anchor institutions. She stated that the USDA could help to convene broadband providers to cover difficult to serve areas. She commented that the USDA’s work would be especially helpful in areas where it might not be economically feasible to provide broadband service absent government support.
• Rep. Salinas then asked the witnesses to indicate whether the U.S. currently has the necessary tools through USDA and NTIA programs to support resilient middle-mile broadband infrastructure. She noted how her state of Oregon is prone to wildfires.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that the Committee should consider middle-mile broadband infrastructure investments as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. He commented that middle-mile broadband infrastructure is key to enabling last-mile broadband service. He noted how the USDA has previously funded middle-mile broadband infrastructure and stated that the Committee should address middle-mile broadband infrastructure as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.

Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX):

• Rep. De La Cruz remarked that access to high-speed internet has become a necessity for economic growth, education, health care, and social connectivity. She lamented how many rural communities across the U.S. continue to lack access to reliable broadband internet services. She stated that this “digital divide” has created significant disparities in economic opportunities, educational outcomes, and health care access between urban and rural areas. She called it important for Americans to have access to reliable and affordable broadband services, regardless of where they live. She asked Mr. Assey to discuss the improvements that Congress should consider to the USDA’s broadband programs to make broadband infrastructure grant programs more accessible, flexible, and locally led.
  • Mr. Assey remarked that there should occur a review of the processes for attracting eligible broadband providers to ensure that there exists a diverse mix of applicants. He also stated that the U.S. should review and put limits on the types of scoring priorities that RUS gives. He commented that the U.S. should eliminate scoring priorities that do not relate to an entity’s experience, the performance of a broadband network, or a particular area’s need. He further stated that the U.S. should work to ensure that federal broadband funds go to unserved areas so that federal funds are spent most efficiently.
• Rep. De La Cruz then noted how many stakeholders have indicated that they face challenges resulting from the USDA’s lengthy approval process for broadband loan applications. She mentioned how Mrs. Bloomfield’s testimony had highlighted how entities often experience delays in federal broadband funding due to historical preservation requirements and environmental reviews. She asked Mrs. Bloomfield to recommend improvements that Congress should consider to streamline the application process for USDA broadband loans.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield mentioned how some NTCA member companies had been awarded USDA broadband funding back in 2019 and have still not been able to deploy this funding due to permitting process delays. She stated that these delays are preventing broadband infrastructure deployment efforts. She noted how there has been recent legislation to streamline these permitting processes. She stated that requirements for additional permitting approvals on areas deemed previously disturbed are redundant. She remarked that the Committee should work to further streamline broadband infrastructure permitting processes as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
• Rep. De La Cruz asked Mrs. Bloomfield to elaborate on the redundancy within the USDA’s current permitting approval process.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield noted how a broadband project applicant must undergo additional regulatory reviews for projects located in previously reviewed areas. She elaborated that these applicants will need to undergo the regulatory review process when expanding or upgrading their existing infrastructure. She commented that these additional regulatory reviews are unnecessary.
• Rep. De La Cruz stated that these additional regulatory reviews for previously approved projects are wasteful in terms of time, materials, and money.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that these lengthy regulatory reviews are very expensive for broadband providers. She noted how the delays in construction might render projects no longer economically feasible due to inflation during the interim period.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX):

• Rep. Crockett called access to the internet a “non-negotiable” in modern society and lamented how a “fringe group” believes that the U.S. should not take further actions to expand internet access. She highlighted how over ten million Americans lack access to broadband internet service and noted how these challenges are especially prevalent in rural areas. She commented that the absence of reliable internet access makes it more difficult for people to find jobs and communicate with their families. She criticized the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations’s Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for seeking to cut broadband funding by almost $100 million. She asked Mrs. Bloomfield to discuss the important use cases (such as telehealth) that broadband access can enable in rural communities.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield first mentioned how she encourages NTCA member organizations to first look at the USDA’s ReConnect Program when considering federal broadband programs. She then discussed how NTCA works with the National Rural Health Association on rural health issues and stated that communities without access to health care services cannot attract people. She remarked that policymakers should expand broadband networks and provide rural residents with the devices needed to enable telehealth applications. She further stated that digital literacy for health care technicians and clinicians will be key to enabling these telehealth applications. She also discussed the importance of mental health care in rural areas and noted how there exists a stigma surrounding mental health care in these areas. She stated that telehealth can enable the delivery of mental health care in rural areas in convenient and discreet locations. She asserted that broadband connectivity can therefore drive better health outcomes in rural America.
• Rep. Crockett mentioned how the rural areas of her state of Texas are losing people, which she attributed to a lack of economic opportunities in these areas. She then asked the witnesses to discuss potential opportunities for improving the USDA’s ReConnnect Program.
  • Mr. Matheson noted how the USDA’s ReConnect Program is relatively nascent and commented that the Program has opportunities for improvement. He stated that Congress should authorize the ReConnect Program as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. He noted how this Program is currently subject to the annual Congressional appropriations process, which can result in the Program lacking consistency and clarity. He also stated that the ReConnect Program should include minimum symmetrical speed requirements of 100 Mbps download speeds and 100 Mbps upload speeds. He further stated that Congress should make investments in middle-mile broadband infrastructure and commented that the absence of this infrastructure makes it difficult for providers to deliver rural broadband service.

Rep. John Rose (R-TN):

• Rep. Rose discussed the importance of telemedicine and called it important for the USDA’s broadband programs to keep up with new technologies. He noted how telemedicine can enable remote monitoring devices for home uses, such as remote stethoscopes and remote devices for examining a patient’s ears, nose, and throat. He explained that the readings from these devices could be digitally transmitted to doctors for interpretation. He also discussed how telemedicine could eventually employ artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and pattern recognition to flag serious illnesses from an image of a patient. He raised concerns that many Americans will not be able to make use of these potential innovations because they lack access to high-speed internet services. He asked Mrs. Bloomfield to discuss the ways that the USDA’s rural broadband programs help to support access to rural telehealth technologies.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that telemedicine can play an important role in enabling the U.S. to respond to rural hospital closures. She noted how telemedicine can enable patients to monitor chronic conditions (such as high blood pressure and diabetes) and highlighted how these conditions are very prevalent in rural areas. She also stated that telemedicine can enable seniors to remain in their homes for longer and not move to long-term care (LTC) facilities. She further mentioned how telemedicine can enable medication adherence tracking. She remarked that the USDA can provide telehealth support and asserted that internet bandwidth is key for this support. She also discussed how telehealth can enable rural Americans to access medical specialists located in urban settings. She then stated that fiber infrastructure may be better suited to support telehealth applications because it is more secure (which makes it better at protecting patient privacy). She commented that the USDA can support the construction of fiber infrastructure.
• Rep. Rose then expressed concerns that current federal expenditures to promote broadband infrastructure construction do not support the ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure. He noted that while the FCC’s USF is meant to support such ongoing maintenance, he asserted that the USF is in need of reforms. He asked the witnesses to indicate whether Congress should address the USF to ensure that it is keeping Americans connected to broadband service.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that the U.S. must ensure that its broadband networks are sustainable and affordable. She stated that the U.S. must reform the USF’s current contribution system.
• Rep. Rose acknowledged that his question period time had expired and requested that the other witnesses provide answers to his question for the hearing’s record.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA):

• Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez remarked that access to high-speed internet is “essential” to participating in the economy, including telehealth and telework. She highlighted how the IIJA had provided almost $2 billion for the USDA’s ReConnect Program. She mentioned how Lewis County, Washington (which is in her Congressional District) was recently awarded $24.2 million through the ReConnect Program. She indicated that this funding will be used to expand high-speed internet service to 2,863 people, 119 businesses, 487 farms, and four educational facilities. She also indicated that this funding will serve an area where 91 percent of residents currently lack access to adequate broadband service. She then noted how Mrs. Bloomfield had argued that the quality of the available broadband service in rural areas is more important than the mere deployment of broadband service in rural areas. She asked Mrs. Bloomfield to address how the U.S. could prioritize quality broadband service when there remain significant areas of the U.S. that lack broadband service.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that many federal broadband programs should be viewed as complementary in nature. She noted how the NTIA would begin to distribute BEAD Program funds in 2024 and indicated that the BEAD Program would prioritize expanding broadband service to unserved areas. She contended that the USDA’s ReConnect Program should not reduce its minimum download and upload speed requirements because other federal broadband programs will also expand broadband coverage to unserved areas. She predicted that the BEAD Program and the ReConnect Program will work well in tandem.
• Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez then noted how many rural communities will only have one internet provider. She asked Mrs. Bloomfield to address how the U.S. could ensure that broadband service will be affordable in these communities.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that it will be very difficult to subsidize competition in areas that require federal support for there to exist a single internet provider. She highlighted how Washington state maintains a “pretty robust” state broadband office. She remarked that policymakers should consider broadband affordability programs and digital education programs as a way to promote broadband service and to optimize this service.
• Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez then asked Mr. Assey to elaborate on some of the USDA’s ReConnect Program’s current challenges related to addressing unserved and underserved rural areas. She also asked Mr. Assey to recommend potential reforms to the ReConnect Program.
  • Mr. Assey first thanked Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez for her leadership on the Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023. He then remarked that Congress should work to ensure that the USDA’s ReConnect Program’s funding goes to deserving projects that will address unserved and underserved areas. He stated that Congress should modernize the eligibility screens for the ReConnect Program and the way that the agencies attract eligible and experienced participants. He also called for reforming the ReConnect Program’s scoring methodology to ensure that awards are granted based on a company’s performance and execution capabilities (rather than just relying upon the existing reputation of a company). He lastly stated that Congress should promote coordination between the FCC, the NTIA, and state governments on broadband infrastructure deployment efforts.
  • Mr. Stroup referenced Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s previous concerns over the potential lack of broadband service competition in rural areas. He noted how there are at least three companies in the satellite broadband industry providing direct-to-consumer broadband services in competition with the other industries represented at the hearing. He added that another satellite broadband provider will be launching within the next couple of years. He further mentioned how some satellite broadband providers are engaged in partnerships with rural telecommunications companies. He concluded that there exist a variety of means for promoting broadband service competition in rural areas.

Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA):

• Rep. Nunn recounted his recent visit to a Des Moines, Iowa hospital that provides telehealth services to patients living in rural areas. He noted how this hospital’s rural patients often face latency challenges and interruptions during their telehealth visits. He commented that these challenges and interruptions could prevent the patients from receiving critical health care services. He also noted how rural patients will need to travel far distances to obtain critical health care services in-person, which can be very inconvenient. He lamented how his state of Iowa is ranked 45th amongst states in terms of broadband access and has the second slowest broadband speeds. He noted how he had introduced the bipartisan ReConnecting Rural America Act to address the aforementioned issues. He called it important for this legislation to be considered during the development of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. He indicated that this legislation would make the USDA’s ReConnect Program permanent and expand broadband access to increase internet speeds in rural America. He stated that certain minimum broadband speeds are necessary for supporting precision agriculture, telehealth, and education applications. He asked Mrs. Bloomfield and Mr. Matheson to address the difference between having no broadband access, delayed broadband access, or diminished broadband access. He commented that all of these options are insufficient.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield first thanked Rep. Nunn for introducing the ReConnecting Rural America Act. She then discussed how latency in broadband service can jeopardize livestock sales because it prevents parties from transacting in real-time. She remarked that requiring symmetrical download and upload speeds (such as those required under the ReConnecting Rural America Act) will be key to ensuring that rural Americans are not treated as “second class citizens” relative to urban Americans.
• Rep. Nunn then discussed how nearly all devices will be connected to the internet in the future. He asked Mr. Matheson to discuss the long-term broadband needs of rural communities and how high-speed broadband will be essential for these communities.
  • Mr. Matheson also thanked Rep. Nunn for introducing the ReConnecting Rural America Act. He then remarked that the use of broadband services will only increase and commented that these services impact every aspect of modern life. He mentioned how the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted the challenges associated with broadband connectivity in rural America as it relates to enabling remote access to work, education, and health care. He then asserted that policymakers should be careful to not make simplistic distinctions between Americans that are unserved by broadband and Americans that are underserved by broadband. He stated that policymakers must work to improve broadband service to underserved areas.
• Rep. Nunn then asked Mr. Hurley to discuss the equipment that will be needed to ensure cybersecurity throughout broadband networks.
  • Mr. Hurley remarked that the Committee should view cybersecurity as critical for food security, agriculture security, and national security. He noted how agriculture production facilities have become increasingly connected through the internet, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL):

• Rep. Budzinski first mentioned how she had previously served as chairwoman of the Illinois Broadband Advisory Council. She then remarked that the U.S. is on the precipice of “true generational change” regarding broadband coverage. She asserted that the U.S. must ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable, and high-performance internet and cellular phone access at home. She mentioned how the 2018 Farm Bill had amended the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to require that 90 percent of residents in a proposed service area be without sufficient access to broadband or unserved to be eligible for grant funding. She also mentioned how the 2018 Farm Bill had amended the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to require that 50 percent of residents in a proposed service area be without sufficient access to broadband or unserved to be eligible for loans. She noted how these thresholds had only been 15 percent prior to the 2018 Farm Bill. She remarked that the Committee’s first priority should be to deliver broadband services to areas most in need. She stated however that the introduction of “unnecessary and unprecedented” program rigidity does not serve rural Americans or the U.S.’s goal of eliminating digital disparities. She also called it critical for the USDA to possess the necessary flexibility to reach unserved communities. She asked Mr. Matheson to indicate whether the U.S. should provide more program flexibility for the USDA’s broadband programs to achieve universal broadband service. She also asked Mr. Matheson to comment on how the U.S. could help Americans living in areas considered to be connected that lack access to sufficient broadband services.
  • Mr. Matheson discussed how electric cooperatives develop their own coverage plans to address the unique needs of their covered areas. He stated that broadband program flexibilities can help to accommodate the specific needs and circumstances of many areas of the U.S. He asserted that these flexibilities will be key to enabling the U.S. to achieve universal broadband service. He also stated that these flexibilities are increasingly necessary given the U.S.’s recent policies to fully address digital disparities. He remarked however that the U.S. must ensure that rigid federal broadband program requirements can prevent many Americans from not accessing broadband services. He noted how an area may be considered to be connected if 50 percent of the area has access to broadband services. He stated that many broadband providers will only serve the densely populated parts of a given broadband service area because these areas are more lucrative to serve. He commented that this situation causes many rural Americans to not have access to broadband service. He contended that federal broadband program flexibilities could help to address these types of situations.
• Rep. Budzinski then remarked that rural broadband infrastructure construction must account for the needs of every facet of rural America, including households, farms, businesses, and anchor institutions. She mentioned how a recent GAO report had found that download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps are likely too slow to meet the internet speed needs of many small businesses. She noted how many small businesses and farms have reported wanting download speeds of at least 100 Mbps. She asked Mrs. Bloomfield to indicate whether 25 Mbps download speeds and 3 Mbps upload speeds provide sufficient broadband access. She also asked Mrs. Bloomfield to discuss the factors that should be taken into consideration when determining acceptable minimum broadband speeds.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield mentioned that the Committee’s hearing room has download speeds of 126 Mbps and upload speeds of 113 Mbps. She contended that 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speeds are insufficient, especially considering the growth of broadband-enabled applications. She also mentioned how Upcountry Fiber (which is an NTCA member) has reported that one-third of their customers are signed up for gigabit internet service. She concluded that there currently exists strong demand for fast broadband service.

Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY):

• Rep. Molinaro discussed how his Congressional District continues to experience challenges accessing broadband service, despite recent federal and state expenditures. He also mentioned how workforce shortages are impeding broadband deployment efforts. He noted how the GAO had published a 2022 report indicating that over 30,000 additional telecommunications workers will be needed to deploy high-speed infrastructure on a scale that matches recent funding levels. He mentioned how the NRECA has had a long history training skilled workers in rural communities. He asked Mr. Matheson to discuss the causes of the current workforce shortages and to provide recommendations for supporting broadband jobs.
  • Mr. Matheson first noted that workforce shortages are not unique to the telecommunications sector or the electric utility sector. He then remarked that the telecommunications sector’s workforce shortages can impede the U.S.’s ability to deploy broadband infrastructure. He mentioned how NRECA’s member electric cooperatives are partnering with their local community colleges and other organizations to train people to work for them. He stated that the federal government should work to encourage people to pursue telecommunications careers.
• Rep. Molinaro remarked that the U.S. has undervalued telecommunications work and should work to expand telecommunications career opportunities. He then discussed how many of New York’s broadband service providers are facing challenges making the last part of a connection. He noted that these providers are struggling with costs related to redundant state and federal requirements and bureaucracy and make ready costs related to pole access. He asked Mrs. Bloomfield to discuss how the aforementioned challenges have impeded efforts to expand broadband service access. He also asked Mrs. Bloomfield to make recommendations for addressing these issues.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield discussed how broadband service providers can face various challenges when deploying infrastructure, including pole attachments, railroad crossings, and local permitting barriers. She remarked that the federal streamlining of broadband requirements could help to facilitate broadband infrastructure deployment. She also suggested that the federal government consider ways to support broadband projects involving U.S. Forrest Service lands and to coordinate their efforts with municipalities and state broadband offices. She also noted how the NTCA is very interested in broadband workforce development issues for rural communities. She mentioned how the NTCA has produced a K-12 guide for careers in broadband technology. She suggested that children interested in video games may be more susceptible to pursuing careers in the broadband and information technology (IT) sectors.
• Rep. Molinaro suggested that the U.S. should consider establishing timelines for constructing broadband projects and reforming the conditions imposed on states to access federal broadband funds. He lastly mentioned how people with disabilities often face employment challenges and suggested that Congress consider the feasibility of broadband jobs for this population.

Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL):

• Rep. Sorensen discussed how many of his constituents have poor quality broadband service. He noted that while these constituents may have broadband service that meets FCC standards, he commented that this service remains insufficient. He mentioned how he had introduced the bipartisan ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023, which would set standards for targeting broadband investments to unserved and underserved communities. He stated that this legislation will ensure that underserved communities can benefit from the USDA’s ReConnect Program’s grants and loans. He noted how broadband providers can currently access ReConnect Program funds to service areas that are 50 percent unserved by broadband service. He indicated that his legislation would increase this standard to 75 percent with minimum download speeds of 100 Mbps and minimum upload speeds of 20 Mbps. He also indicated that his legislation would provide preference for areas that are 90 percent unserved by broadband service. He further noted how his legislation would establish mandatory buildout download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 100 Mbps. He asked Mrs. Bloomfield to discuss the importance of the ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023’s broadband speed standards.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that the U.S. should set broadband service standards that will meet both current and future broadband needs. She stated that the U.S. is unlikely to provide similar investments in broadband infrastructure construction in the future and asserted that the U.S. therefore cannot deploy broadband infrastructure that will later become obsolete. She thanked Rep. Sorensen for introducing the ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023.
• Rep. Sorensen then indicated his intention to introduce the U.S. House of Representatives version of the ACCESS Rural America Act. He stated that this bipartisan legislation will provide regulatory relief to small rural broadband providers. He asked Mrs. Bloomfield to discuss this legislation’s potential impacts and the current challenges associated with rural broadband deployment efforts.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield noted how NTCA’s members are community-based broadband providers with a relatively small number of shareholders. She noted however that these broadband providers can become subject to SEC requirements if the number of shareholders goes above a certain threshold. She commented that these requirements are very expensive and burdensome to comply with, which diverts resources away from broadband deployment efforts. She expressed appreciation for Rep. Sorensen’s plans to introduce the ACCESS Rural America Act.
• Rep. Sorensen then mentioned how there have previously existed concerns over extending federal funding to satellite internet providers given the limitations to the technology. He asked Mr. Stroup to address whether satellite network capacity concerns have changed in light of technological advancements and the introduction of low-earth orbit satellite networks.
  • Mr. Stroup remarked that advances in satellite technology and increasing satellite network capacity have addressed satellite technology concerns. He highlighted how some satellite companies are now providing 200 Mbps internet speeds. He also noted how the number of satellites had grown from 1,000 satellites ten years ago to 8,000 satellites today. He commented that satellite broadband speeds are significantly faster today than they were ten years ago.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI):

• Rep. Van Orden mentioned how the federal government has spent $166.6 billion over the previous five years on broadband deployment efforts and how the private sector has spent $158 billion over the same period on broadband deployment efforts. He noted how the U.S.’s efforts to put a man on the moon had only cost $257 billion (in inflation adjusted dollars). He contended that the U.S.’s inability to achieve universal broadband service constitutes a systemic failure. He called on Congress to work with the private sector on developing a solution to this issue.

Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY):

• Rep. Langworthy remarked that broadband access plays a crucial role in supporting farming operations. He noted how only 75 percent of his Congressional District is considered to be served by fast and reliable broadband service. He asserted that the U.S. should prioritize addressing areas unserved by broadband in its work to deploy broadband infrastructure. He mentioned how he had recently sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack calling for the USDA to prioritize connecting unserved rural Americans to broadband service as part of its ReConnect Program. He noted that many broadband providers do not find it economically viable to cover certain areas, which leads the areas to go unserved. He commented that these unserved areas require federal support to obtain broadband service. He reiterated his call for the U.S. to prioritize unserved rural areas in its work to deploy broadband infrastructure and stated that this approach will protect against the overbuilding of broadband infrastructure. He asked Mr. Assey to discuss the importance of prioritizing unserved areas versus underserved areas as part of the U.S.’s broadband infrastructure deployment strategy.
  • Mr. Assey thanked Rep. Langworthy for his letter to Secretary Vilsack. He stated that the original intent of the ReConnect Program was to prioritize unserved areas and commented that Rep. Langworthy’s letter is consistent with this original intent. He stated that the U.S.’s failure to prioritize unserved areas in its broadband deployment strategy can leave these areas overlooked because broadband providers tend to seek out the most profitable areas. He expressed optimism that the U.S. can extend broadband service to unserved areas with the requisite resources and resolve.
• Rep. Langworthy then mentioned how the U.S. has made significant federal investments in broadband infrastructure. He asked Mr. Assey and Mr. Matheson to address how the U.S. could prevent overbuilding and duplication of federal funding for its broadband networks.
  • Mr. Assey remarked that the U.S. must maintain consistent standards for the areas receiving federal broadband funds. He also noted that while many broadband projects receive federal funding, he highlighted that private companies are making “substantial” capital investments to execute these projects. He further stated that the U.S. should harness the benefits of competition to address its broadband service shortages.
  • Mr. Matheson remarked that Congress should work to improve broadband access to underserved areas and cautioned that the fact that these areas may have broadband service (albeit poor broadband service) can lead the areas to go overlooked. He stated that the Committee should work to expand broadband access for both unserved and underserved areas as part of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.

Rep. Don Davis (D-NC):

• Rep. Davis discussed how 42 percent of his constituents lack broadband service and stated that this lack of service prevents his constituents from applying for many USDA loans and grants. He then remarked that there exist a variety of ways to bring broadband service to rural households, including fiber options and fixed wireless options. He asked the witnesses to address how the USDA should consider place-based policies when constructing broadband networks.
  • Mrs. Bloomfield remarked that the USDA can take a technology neutral approach to broadband deployment and noted how geographical differences and line of sight obstructions can make certain broadband technologies ill-suited for certain situations. She stated that having the USDA require 100 Mbps download speeds and 100 Mbps upload speeds would give broadband providers flexibility to best deliver broadband services to consumers.
  • Mr. Zumwalt noted how a virtual meeting call, a 4K stream from a streaming service, and gaming all consume about 5 Mbps of data. He commented that it takes many of these online activities to achieve 100 Mbps. He remarked that requiring 100 Mbps download speeds and 100 Mbps upload speeds will lead many Americans to go unserved. He warned that this requirement will result in the overbuilding of existing broadband networks. He stated that the U.S. should prioritize unserved Americans as part of its current broadband deployment efforts and work to upgrade these networks over time.
  • Mr. Hurley remarked that the U.S. must take a technology neutral approach to broadband deployment and commented that the deployment of precision agriculture technologies will require multiple types of broadband technologies. He noted how precision agriculture technologies must operate in diverse and remote locations (such as fields and barns), which necessitates multiple broadband delivery methods.
• Rep. Davis asked the witnesses to indicate whether the U.S. has taken a technology neutral approach to broadband deployment thus far.
  • Mr. Assey discussed how the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Program sets baseline requirements for their eligible technologies. He called it important for the broadband technologies being constructed to meet future internet needs. He predicted that cable technology will eventually make minimum speed requirement debates moot because the technology will provide multi-gigabit upload and download speeds.

Full Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA):

• Ranking Member Scott stated that while the U.S. has the best agriculture system in the world, he warned that inadequate broadband service could jeopardize the U.S.’s global leadership in agriculture. He asserted that the importance of broadband service for agriculture production makes broadband connectivity a national security issue. He noted how the Committee only has 12 weeks to pass a new Farm Bill and stated that the Committee must ensure that the Farm Bill will adequately address digital disparities. He raised concerns that the agriculture sector in the European Union (EU) has greater broadband connectivity than the agriculture sector in the U.S.