H.R. 46

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To direct the Federal Communications Commission to prioritize the timely processing of certain long-form applications in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase II auction.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · January 3, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Bergman · Committee: Committee on Energy and Commerce

Table of contents

• H.R. 46
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Purpose
  • SEC. 3. Application Processing Prioritization

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Rural Broadband Window of Opportunity Act.

SEC. 2. Purpose

• The purpose of this Act is to level the playing field for service providers participating in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund that are disadvantaged by short construction seasons.

SEC. 3. Application Processing Prioritization

• With respect to the long-form applicants of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase II auction provided for in the Report and Order in the matter of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and Connect America Fund adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (in this section referred to as the ) on January 30, 2020 (FCC 20–5), the Commission shall prioritize the timely processing of long-form applications and any subsequent paperwork (in this section referred to as the ) submitted by the long-form applicants as follows: The Commission shall prioritize the timely processing of applications which are proposing to provide service in geographic areas which the Commission determines to have the shortest construction seasons (such as in areas characterized by long winters with heavy snowfall).