Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) has introduced legislation that would require the FCC to monitor and improve broadband availability in urban markets that are unserved or underserved by robust broadband connections. Specifically, the Connecting Broadband Deserts Act of 2018 (H.R. 4876), which is co-sponsored by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), would amend Title I of the Communications Act of 1934 by adding language that compels the Commission to compile and release annual broadband capability reports targeting urban “broadband deserts.” If the Commission finds that urban areas are lacking in “advanced telecommunications” capabilities, then the Commission must take immediate action to accelerate broadband deployments. H.R. 4876 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further deliberation.
