Plain Language Summary
# BOOST Act Summary **What it would do:** The BOOST Act would create a tax credit to help people in rural and underserved areas afford better internet connectivity. Specifically, it would give eligible households a one-time refund of up to $400 (covering 75% of costs) to purchase Wi-Fi signal boosters, satellite internet equipment, or related devices. The credit would be available through 2029. **Who it affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be people living in "unserved areas"—mainly rural communities where internet speeds fall below 25 megabits per second (considered the minimum for reliable broadband).
This targets households struggling with poor internet access who cannot afford the equipment needed to improve their connections. **Key provisions:** The credit is refundable (meaning households get money back even if they owe no taxes), applies only once per household, and covers various types of signal-boosting equipment for both traditional broadband and satellite internet. The bill defines eligible areas based on existing Rural Digital Opportunity Fund criteria. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Broadening Online Opportunities through Simple Technologies Act or the BOOST ActThis bill establishes a new refundable tax credit, through 2029, for expenses paid to purchase a Wi-Fi signal booster for use in a principal residence. (Some limitations apply.)The bill allows a taxpayer located in an unserved area a one-time, refundable tax credit for 75% (up to $400) of expenses paid to purchasea communications signal booster (any device that receives a wireless signal or a commercial data service signal in order to increase the strength or range of the signal and in connection with retransmitting a broadband internet access service signal),any customer premises equipment for use with satellite networks, orany ground station equipment to send and receive transmissions from satellite networks.Under the bill, an unserved area is defined as an area eligible for certain funding under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (generally areas where internet speeds are below 25 megabits per second for downloading and 3 megabits per second for uploading).Finally, under the bill, the Department of the Treasury is required to issue regulations and guidance on the new tax credit and a program for sellers of signal boosters to voluntarily report sales of such devices in unserved areas.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.