Broadband Incentives for Communities Act

This bill creates a competitive grant program at the Commerce Department to help local governments speed up zoning and permit reviews for broadband internet projects like fiber and 5G. The goal is to make it easier and faster to build out networks, especially in places that don’t have good internet today. To qualify, local governments must show they are ready to support deployment: set up clear and efficient review steps, allow faster building methods like micro-trenching, and keep permit fees reasonable and posted in advance. Grant money can pay for staff hiring and training, plus software and tools to process applications, including work done remotely.

The bill also creates a Local Broadband Advisory Council within 90 days to bring together local leaders and industry to solve common roadblocks. The Council must deliver a report within one year of being set up. Funding is authorized as needed to carry out the bill.

• Who is affected: Local governments, internet providers, and residents in unserved or underserved areas.
• What changes: Competitive grants to improve permitting and zoning for broadband; standards for fair, transparent fees; support for expedited methods like micro-trenching; and a new advisory council to share solutions.
• When: The advisory council must be created within 90 days of the bill becoming law, with a report due one year later.