Rural Connectivity Advancement Program Act of 2021

The Rural Connectivity Advancement Program Act of 2021 proposes a new way to fund the expansion of high-speed internet in rural America by capturing a portion of the revenue generated when the government auctions off airwaves (spectrum) to telecommunications companies. Specifically, the bill would set aside 10% of the net proceeds from these auctions to create a dedicated fund for building out broadband infrastructure in high-cost rural areas.

For citizens living in remote or underserved regions, this bill aims to close the digital divide by providing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with additional resources to fill coverage gaps and lower the cost of service. By addressing funding shortfalls for existing rural programs, the legislation seeks to ensure that high-speed internet is not only available in rural communities but also remains reliable and priced comparably to service in urban areas.