SE Kansas News

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran, John Hickenlooper, Shelley Moore Capito, and Gary Peters have reintroduced the bipartisan Network Equipment Transparency (NET) Act. This legislation aims to enhance transparency in the broadband supply chain through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The goal is to ensure that federal broadband programs remain on schedule.

Supply chain disruptions have previously caused delays in broadband infrastructure projects. A lack of insight into the telecommunications supply chain's status may lead to future equipment shortages as federal programs focus on providing high-speed, reliable networks.

Senator Moran highlighted the importance of reliable internet access for rural communities' success in various sectors: "In this digital age, access to reliable internet can determine the success of farms, businesses and even health care in rural communities." He emphasized that increasing transparency would accelerate project rollouts designed to boost internet activity in rural America.

Senator Hickenlooper reiterated the intent behind their Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: "We wrote our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with the goal to connect every Coloradan to reliable, high-speed internet," adding that supply chain issues should not hinder these projects' progress.

Senator Capito pointed out the necessity for federal agencies to address potential deployment hindrances: "In order to effectively connect our communities, it’s critical that our federal agencies work to address any potential problems that would slow or hinder this process of deployment."

Senator Peters underscored how resilient supply chains help maintain low prices and ensure product availability: "Resilient, efficient supply chains are essential to keeping prices low and ensuring Americans can get the products they need, and that includes broadband internet." He noted that identifying issues early could prevent negative impacts on American businesses and consumers.

The bill mandates that the FCC's Communications Marketplace Report inform Congress about how supply chain disruptions affect broadband infrastructure projects' timely completion or deployment.