Broadband for Appalachia

What This Bill Does

The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act would aim to improve internet access in Appalachian communities, likely by supporting broadband buildout, affordability, or service reliability in underserved areas. It is designed to close connectivity gaps that have long affected rural households, schools, farms, and small businesses.

Reliable broadband affects everyday life by making it easier to work remotely, attend school, access telehealth, run a business, and connect with government services. In regions like Appalachia, where terrain and low population density can make service harder to provide, federal support can help bring more households online and reduce the digital divide.

Who This Bill Affects

For the general public, this bill would mainly benefit people and communities in Appalachia by improving access to high-speed internet. That can lower barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and business growth, while having little direct effect on Americans outside the region.

Latest Status

April 30, 2026

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Will It Pass?

27% estimated chance of becoming law

Pass percentages are estimates and may be inaccurate.