PLAN for Broadband Act

Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act or the PLAN for Broadband Act

This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop and implement a national strategy to improve the coordination and management of federal broadband programs to meet the goal of providing high-speed, affordable broadband internet access services to all individuals in the United States. The strategy must also address barriers, costs, and administrative burdens for state, local, and tribal governments participating in these programs.

The NTIA must also develop and publish for public comment a plan for the implementation of the national strategy. Among other requirements, the implementation plan must (1) describe the roles and responsibilities of relevant agencies and interagency mechanisms, and (2) provide a plan for holding agencies accountable for objectives identified in the strategy.

The NTIA must submit the strategy and implementation plan to Congress and must periodically brief Congress on implementation progress.

Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress that assesses the efficacy of the strategy and implementation plan and makes recommendations for improving them.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service.