Rural Broadband Access (E.O. 13821)

Summary

Creates a simpler process for companies to get approval to build internet equipment on government property in country areas.

What problem does this solve?

Many people in rural America lack good internet, which hurts their economy, healthcare, and schools. This order makes the government process for approving new internet equipment faster and more efficient.

What does this order do?

Requires a single application form

Mandates that all federal agencies use a standard form, the GSA Common Form Application, for any request to place internet equipment on federal property.

Sets policy to expand rural broadband

Establishes an official executive branch policy to use all available tools to speed up the building of high-speed internet in rural America.

Creates new reporting rules

Requires federal agencies to report every three months on how many applications they receive, approve, or reject, and how long the process takes.

Orders a review of the application process

Directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to review the standard application form within 180 days to see if it can be made even better.

Who does this affect?

Rural communities
Broadband and telecommunications companies
Federal agencies that manage property

What is the real world impact?

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Boosts rural economies

Aims to improve economic growth, job opportunities, healthcare, and education in rural areas by providing them with the same high-speed internet access that cities have.

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Helps internet companies

Reduces red tape for telecommunications companies, making it cheaper and faster for them to expand their networks by using federal land and buildings.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately and sets several deadlines for government agencies to complete specific tasks.

GSA review of application form

Within 180 days of January 8, 2018, the General Services Administration must evaluate the effectiveness of the common application form.

Agency reporting begins

Within 180 days of January 8, 2018, federal agencies must begin reporting quarterly to the GSA on their application processing.

GSA summary reports to OMB

Starting 90 days after January 8, 2018, the GSA must provide quarterly summary reports to the Office of Management and Budget.

Recommendation for improvements

Within one year of January 8, 2018, the GSA must recommend improvements to the application form to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.