Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025

This bill would make certain broadband projects on federal land skip some federal reviews. If a broadband provider installs equipment within a “right-of-way” on federal land, the project would not trigger the usual environmental study under NEPA or the historic preservation review. The goal is to let providers add lines and equipment in these set areas without those extra steps.

A “broadband project” here includes things like copper or fiber lines, wireless towers, buildings, and similar improvements that let people use high-quality internet for voice, data, and video. These rules apply only when the work is done in a right-of-way on federal land and needs a federal authorization.

Key points

• Who is affected: Broadband providers working on federal land, and communities that use their networks.
• What changes: Projects in rights-of-way on federal land would not require certain environmental or historic preservation reviews before getting federal approval.
• What counts as a project: Installing copper or fiber lines, wireless towers, buildings, or similar broadband infrastructure that supports high-quality internet service.