SE Ohio Times

Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement after introducing H.R. 3289, the Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act, part of the effort by the House Energy & Commerce Committee to remove regulatory red tape, deploy broadband more quickly, and close the urban-rural digital divide once and for all:

“I reintroduced the Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act,which would remove the requirement to prepare an environmental or historic preservation review in order to add new or upgrade wireless facilities on existing infrastructure,” Bill Johnson said. “This bill would eliminate burdensome reviews that are often repetitive and slowdown broadband expansion. Reliable broadband expansion and efficiency must go hand in hand. Rural areas such as the one I represent are hungry for opportunities, and there is great demand for reliable broadband that would open the doors for businesses, schools, and homes to grow our economy and revitalize our region of the country. And, as we strive to reach underserved communities, it is imperative to streamline the process to get them served as quickly as possible. The economic growth and opportunities of rural America and Eastern Ohio depend on it – and I call on the full House to vote on and pass this important legislation.”

House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers stated: “Many families and businesses across the country still lack access to broadband, which is a critical part of today’s economy. Energy and Commerce is leading to remove regulatory red tape, deploy broadband faster, get Americans across the country connected, and close the digital divide once and for all. The legislative package we’re unveiling today will help us connect all Americans, and I commend Rep. Johnson for his leadership on the Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act, which will help achieve these goals.”

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

Original source can be found here.