On March 16, the full House approved bipartisan legislation by a unanimous vote of 411-0 that would exempt small internet service providers (ISPs) from enhanced transparency requirements in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) new Open Internet or ‘net neutrality’ rules. The efforts of Congress to bolster broadband access across the nation could significantly benefit multifamily properties and their residents by ensuring greater access to high-speed internet, particularly in non-urban core areas.
The amended version of the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act would exempt ISPs with 250,000 subscribers or fewer and sunsets the exemption after five years unless renewed by Congress. Action on the bill now moves to the Senate where companion legislation awaits consideration by the Commerce Committee.
According to a recent FCC report, 34 million Americans lack access to broadband internet. Last year, they found that 55 million lacked high-speed broadband access.
Provided by NMHC as part of the NAA/NMHC Joint Legislative Program