Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act
Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act
Plain Language Summary
# Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to monitor and report on whether federal agencies—specifically the Department of the Interior and Forest Service—are creating online portals to handle applications for communications infrastructure on public lands. These applications cover requests to install or modify things like cell towers, transmission equipment, and support structures on government property. The NTIA would need to submit an initial report within 90 days and then every 60 days after that, identifying any obstacles preventing these portals from being established. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts telecommunications companies and infrastructure providers who need permission to build communications equipment on federal lands, as well as the government agencies that process these requests.
Ultimately, faster online application processes could benefit the general public by streamlining broadband and cellular network expansion on public property. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 1588) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. It has not advanced further at this time.
CRS Official Summary
Facilitating the Deployment of Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications Act or the Facilitating DIGITAL Applications ActThis bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to periodically report on the development of online portals for the acceptance, processing, and disposal of applications for communications use authorizations. Communications use authorizations are requests for easements, rights-of-way, leases, licenses, or other authorizations to locate or modify a transmitting device, support structure, or other communications facility on public lands or National Forest System land.Specifically, the NTIA must report to Congress about (1) whether the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service have each established a portal, and (2) any barriers to establishing the portals. The NTIA must submit the first report within 90 days of the enactment of the bill and additional reports every 60 days thereafter until the portals are established.Additionally, Interior and the Forest Service must notify the NTIA within three business days of establishing their respective portals.
Latest Action
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-486, Part I.