Bill Overview
Title: Internet Exchange Act of 2022
Description: This bill creates a grant program for the establishment and expansion of facilities through which internet service providers and content delivery networks exchange internet traffic (internet exchange facilities) in unserved or underserved areas. Further, the bill allows recipients of funding from the E-Rate Program and the Rural Health Care Program to apply such funds to the procurement or maintenance of a connection to an internet exchange facility.
Sponsors: Rep. Long, Billy [R-MO-7]
Target Audience
Population: People living in unserved or underserved areas affected by internet infrastructure upgrades
Estimated Size: 14500000
- The bill aims to establish and expand internet exchange facilities, which will directly impact underserved or unserved areas by likely improving internet connectivity.
- Many global regions have underserved areas in terms of internet connectivity, particularly rural or remote locations in developing countries.
- Approximately 37% of the world's population has never used the Internet, according to recent estimates.
- Improved internet infrastructure can enhance educational opportunities, economic growth, and access to information for these populations.
Reasoning
- The bill focuses on improving internet connectivity which is crucial for education, healthcare, and economic activities in underserved areas.
- The policy is likely to have a higher impact on people in rural and economically disadvantaged regions where internet access is poor or nonexistent.
- Urban areas are less likely to experience a significant impact from this policy, as their internet infrastructure is already more developed.
- People in education and healthcare sectors may see indirect benefits due to improved internet connectivity and resources provided by the policy.
- The Cantril wellbeing scores will reflect changes in internet access which can influence people's economic opportunities, social connections, and access to information and services.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Rural Kansas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe better internet access will greatly enhance our school's resources.
- This could allow for virtual guest lectures and new curriculum tools.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I doubt this will change much for me personally.
- The internet here is already fast and reliable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Retired (Rural Alabama)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved internet could help me access telehealth services more easily.
- This would be a relief, especially in emergencies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
University Student (Suburban Ohio)
Age: 21 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think better connectivity could help rural students who commute.
- No direct impact on my internet since campus is well connected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Farmer (Rural Tennessee)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better internet will help me run my business more efficiently.
- I'm hopeful for improved connectivity and reliability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Nurse (Urban New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy sounds good for rural healthcare.
- No change for me at work or home, our internet is solid.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (Appalachian Kentucky)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good internet could expand my customer base significantly.
- I'm eager for improved speeds to better serve my clients.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Healthcare Worker (Rural Alaska)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved internet would facilitate better patient management systems.
- I expect significant operational improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Freelance Writer (Rural Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More reliable internet will greatly aid my work from home.
- I'm frustrated with current connectivity issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
College Student (Urban Los Angeles)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great for people without good internet but doesn't affect me.
- Glad to see efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $550000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $650000000)
Year 3: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 5: $650000000 (Low: $550000000, High: $750000000)
Year 10: $700000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $800000000)
Year 100: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill's success largely hinges on the active coordination of federal, state, and local governments in implementing exchange facility projects.
- Balancing initial setup costs and long-term economic benefits is crucial for accurate cost-benefit analysis.
- Monitoring administrative and operational efficiency will be imperative to prevent cost overruns.
- Potential regulatory adjustments might be necessary to accommodate new technological advancements and ensure compliance with latest internet standards.