Collins introduces legislation to expand broadband access in rural and low-income communities

Statement

Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) reintroduced the Gigabit Opportunity (GO) Act (H.R. 5082) to encourage broadband development in economically disadvantaged communities.

"High-speed internet access has become a prerequisite for economic growth in America, yet many of our neighbors struggle to gain reliable access to broadband," said Collins. "By concentrating private investment in low-income areas, the Gigabit Opportunity Act will open the door for these communities to succeed in our 21st century economy."

Building on Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai's vision for Gigabit Opportunity Zones, the GO Act allows governors to designate one-fourth of their state's low-income communities as Gigabit Opportunities Zones and provides tax incentives for companies to invest in gigabit-capable broadband expansion within these zones.

The GO Act also encourages states, counties, and citizens to voluntarily adopt a uniform broadband deployment plan to expedite gigabit-capable rollout.

Collins first introduced the Gigabit Opportunity Act during the 115th Congress.

Reps. Will Hurd (R-TX), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Denver Riggleman (R-VA), Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Greg Pence (R-IN) are original cosponsors of the Gigabit Opportunity Act.

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