House Bill Would Make Big Tech Help Fund Universal Broadband Access
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
↔Companion bill: Congress Proposes Requiring Big Tech and Internet Companies to Fund Rural Broadband ExpansionGovbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Critics argue the bill, which they dub the 'Raising Communications Costs for Taxpayers Act,' would lead to higher app prices and less free content by taxing 'edge providers' like search engines and streaming services to fund the Universal Service Fund.
The legislation directs the FCC to require edge and broadband providers to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF), aiming to reduce the financial burden on consumers and rural providers while strengthening broadband access in rural America.
The Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act would see providers that account for more than 3% of total U.S. annual internet traffic and earn more than $5 billion in annual revenue contribute to the USF, though similar past efforts have struggled to gain traction.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.