Rock Island Today

WASHINGTON, DC – On June 23, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introduced a bipartisan bill to expand broadband access in rural areas by lessening regulations for small telecommunications providers. The ACCESS Rural America Act alters Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements originally intended for large corporations. 

"Excessive regulations make it difficult for small and locally owned providers to expand internet access in our rural communities," said Sorensen. "By revising laws intended for big corporations, this bipartisan effort helps bridge the digital divide and connects Illinois families to jobs and economic opportunity." 

“Instead of being able to supply rural America with high-speed broadband networks, our local providers are caught up in Washington’s bureaucratic red tape,” said Congressman Tiffany. “This bipartisan bill will give small telecommunication providers the tools to expand quality broadband access across rural America.” 

“Small, locally owned broadband providers need to devote valuable time and resources to building networks and delivering high-quality services to consumers in rural America rather than complying with burdensome securities registration and reporting requirements meant for large publicly traded companies,” NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield said. “We thank Representatives Tom Tiffany and Eric Sorensen for introducing the bipartisan ACCESS Rural America Act to help relieve these burdens, so small providers can focus on their mission of connecting and serving all Americans.” 

Under current regulations, a broadband company with 500 or more non-accredited shareholders must meet burdensome SEC reporting requirements each year. The ACCESS Rural America Act would increase the threshold of investors that prompts SEC reporting from 500 to 2,000 for rural broadband companies receiving federal universal service support. 

This change would alleviate pressure on small businesses that are helping bridge the digital divide in places like Central and Northwestern Illinois.  

Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

Original source can be found here.