Bill Overview
Title: NET Act
Description: This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to determine (subject to available data) whether the lack of network equipment significantly impacted the deployment of broadband and other advanced telecommunications capability. The FCC must include this determination in its biennial report on the state of the communications marketplace.
Sponsors: Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by broadband and advanced telecommunications deployment
Estimated Size: 297000000
- The NET Act aims to require the FCC to assess if the lack of network equipment affects broadband deployment.
- Broadband and other telecommunications are critical to accessing information, education, economic opportunities, and communication.
- A lack of network equipment could affect the deployment of broadband affecting individuals' access to these services.
- At a global scale, a significant portion of the population relies on telecommunications for daily activities and connectivity.
- According to the World Bank, about 60% of the world's population had internet access by 2019, and this number is growing.
Reasoning
- The NET Act is relevant to a vast number of people as it concerns broadband deployment, key to many internet-based services and activities.
- The policy impacts the unserved or underserved areas more, but with a modest budget, it primarily focuses on assessing the situation rather than immediate deployment.
- The current broadband availability, differing by speed and quality across regions, will consider major pockets of underserved areas, typically rural or economically disadvantaged locations.
- People with careers or substantial reliance on digital access will find this policy impactful, predominantly in education, remote work, or digital entrepreneurship.
- Overall, the policy's greatest long-term value could lie in informing future infrastructure projects, improving deployment strategies.
Simulated Interviews
farmer (rural Kansas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I find internet access critical for running my farm. If the government can figure out how to provide consistent service here, it would be immensely helpful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
college student (New York City)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems good for those in areas with poor service. I'm fortunate to have fast internet for everything I need.
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 |
teacher (rural Mississippi)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope they really look into our area. My students and I struggle with connectivity issues every day.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
retired (urban California)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Probably won't affect me directly much, but if it helps children in remote areas, it's worth it.
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 |
software developer (suburban Texas)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to networks impacts my work significantly, though my area is well covered. Others less so.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
village community coordinator (rural Alaska)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We desperately need better connectivity here for essentials like healthcare communication. Hopefully, the NET Act can guide solutions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
digital marketer (urban Texas)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Broadband efforts are needed but my well-being wouldn't be directly affected due to good coverage in my city.
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 |
part-time librarian (suburban Michigan)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that assessments will identify our shortcomings and lead to better services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
stay-at-home parent (rural Nevada)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our internet service is spotty. Better understanding and solutions are much needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
high school student (urban Illinois)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Don't think it'll change much for me, but if it helps others, it's positive.
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: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 2: $4500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 3: $4500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 5: $4500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 10: $4500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $4500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Key Considerations
- The FCC's findings can influence both public policy and private sector investments, aiding in efficient broadband deployment.
- Accurate data collection is paramount; any errors could misinform decisions and lead to inefficient allocation of resources.