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Bill

Bill

HR 9286

To direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the technologies used to provide broadband internet access service, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Troy Carter and 5 co-sponsors

The bill requires a Commerce Department study and report detailing technologies used for broadband delivery to inform expansion, reliability, and affordability.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9286

Bill Overview

  • Official title: To direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the technologies used to provide broadband internet access service, and for other purposes.
  • House status: Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on June 11, 2026.
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary cosponsors: Troy Carter, Cleo Fields, Bennie Thompson, April McClain Delaney, Shomari Figures, Jim Clyburn.

Main purpose and intent

The bill directs the federal government to study and report on the technologies used to provide broadband internet access service. The underlying aim is to identify and understand the various technologies (beyond traditional fiber, cable, and wireless broadband) that enable broadband connectivity, assess their capabilities and limitations, and inform Congress about potential pathways to expand access, reliability, and affordability.

Key provisions and changes

  • ** Mandate for a study:** The bill requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a comprehensive study on technologies used to provide broadband internet access service.
  • Report to Congress: The study results must be compiled into a report and submitted to Congress. The report is expected to detail technologies, current deployment status, performance characteristics, cost considerations, and potential barriers to adoption.
  • Scope of technologies: While not specified in the summary alone, the study typically would cover a range of technologies used for broadband delivery (e.g., traditional fixed wireless, satellite, fixed wireless access, 5G/6G components, satellite constellations, terrestrial backhaul innovations, and other emerging delivery systems). The exact scope would be defined in the bill’s text.
  • Potential policy implications: By identifying technologies and their feasibility, the report could inform future legislative or regulatory actions to promote broadband deployment, digital inclusion, affordability, and competition.

Who is affected

  • Federal agencies: The bill tasks the Department of Commerce, and specifically the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, with carrying out the study.
  • Broadband stakeholders: Cable, fiber, wireless (including satellite and fixed wireless providers), local governments, schools, libraries, and end users may be indirectly affected through the policy considerations and recommendations that could emerge from the report.
  • Congress: Members of Congress will receive a formal report to guide potential future legislation or oversight related to broadband technologies and deployment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.
  • Timeline: The bill text must specify an due date for the study and report in the bill itself; if not, typical legislative practice would set a reasonable period (often several months) from enactment or committee action. The exact timeline would be defined in the final bill language.
  • Next steps: If approved by the committee and then the full House (and potentially Senate concurrence or negotiation), the bill would proceed to the President for signature or veto.

Potential impact

  • The study could provide a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of current and emerging broadband technologies, informing policy decisions aimed at expanding access, improving reliability, and reducing costs.
  • It may highlight gaps in deployment, identify high-potential technologies for rural or underserved areas, and shape funding priorities or regulatory approaches.
  • The report could serve as a foundation for future bipartisan broadband legislation or agency initiatives.

Note

  • The summary reflects the information provided about the bill’s title and action history. The exact provisions, definitions, methodological approach, and scope will be detailed in the bill’s full text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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