Sponsors
This is not an official government website.
Copyright © 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study whether and how the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) could use satellite broadband in its economic development work and to report findings within one year. The measure also gives the Act an official short title for citation; it does not create new programs, authorize funding, or order action by ARC or other agencies.
The bill commissions a GAO study to determine whether satellite broadband can cost‑effectively expand connectivity in Appalachia—potentially guiding better investment and enabling faster access for some, but delaying immediate deployment and using taxpayer funds without guaranteeing a favorable or p
Residents and small businesses in Appalachia could gain faster access to broadband if satellite options prove viable, enabling quicker connectivity in remote areas.
Policymakers and ARC decision‑makers will get evidence on whether satellite broadband is cost‑effective, helping them target ARC funds more efficiently.
Rural communities and businesses in remote areas could be identified as case studies, highlighting economic growth opportunities tied to improved connectivity and attracting future investment.
Residents and small businesses in Appalachia receive no immediate broadband improvements from the study and may wait up to a year for findings before any action.
Rural communities and remote businesses could lose out on satellite deployment options if the report concludes satellites are not cost‑effective and ARC deprioritizes them.
Taxpayers fund the GAO study, diverting resources that might otherwise be used for immediate deployment or other services.
Introduced March 27, 2025 by David J. Taylor · Last progress March 25, 2026