North Georgia Congressman Doug Collins continues to push for broadband development in areas considered economically disadvantaged.
The Gainesville Republican last week reintroduced the Gigabit Opportunity Act (H.R. 5082), legislation commonly known as the GO Act.
"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," Collins said in a media statement. "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."
According to Collins' office, the GO Act builds on Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai’s vision for Gigabit Opportunity Zones. It 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 those 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.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2019/11/851571/collins-makes-legislative-push-for-broadband-development