Kentuckiana Times

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, which seeks to enhance transparency and accountability within federal broadband initiatives. The bill, sponsored by Congresswoman Erin Houchin of Indiana's 9th district, aims to ensure that taxpayer funds allocated for rural broadband development are effectively used to serve pertinent communities.

The legislation, approved unanimously by voice vote, specifies that only providers capable of delivering reliable high-speed internet will be eligible for funding. Rep. Houchin emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, "Across Indiana and throughout rural America, families, farmers, students, and small business owners are still struggling with slow or unreliable internet access. That’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a barrier to opportunity, education, healthcare, and economic growth. When Congress invests in rural broadband, we must make sure those dollars are reaching the communities they’re meant to serve."

Under this act, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is tasked with establishing a formal vetting process for applicants pursuing broadband funding from the Universal Service Fund’s high-cost programs. Providers will be assessed based on their experience, technical capability, and proven success in deploying broadband infrastructure effectively.

The next phase for the Rural Broadband Protection Act is consideration by the Senate.