WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Rural Broadband Protection Act (RBPA), legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and John Curtis (R-Utah), was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on Monday, May 11, 2026. The bill would require a more thorough vetting and verification process for internet service providers (ISP) seeking to participate in the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) high-cost programs.

RBPA will add accountability and transparency to closing the digital divide, as well as provide essential safeguards to the Universal Service Funds high-cost program by ensuring funding goes to companies with both a proven track record of success, and who have demonstrated sound judgement in deploying in hard-to-serve areas.

“I am thrilled to see this legislation become the law of the land,” Senator Capito said. “I originally introduced RBPA in 2022 because of the countless conversations I had with West Virginians made it clear that the FCC needs congressional direction to ensure taxpayer money is being used properly to fund broadband deployment in rural areas. This legislation will streamline broadband dollars coming to West Virginia to our providers, and move toward our goal of closing the digital divide in communities of all sizes across our state.”

“We should be able to bring high-speed internet to every family in Minnesota — regardless of their zip code,” Senator Klobuchar said. “This law will help Americans connect to work, school, health care, and business opportunities by ensuring the companies that apply for federal funding to build out broadband infrastructure can get the job done. As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to close the digital divide and ensure Minnesota families can reliably access the high-speed internet they need.”

BACKGROUND:

The FCC’s High Cost program provides funding to telecom carriers to provide service in rural areas where the market alone cannot support the substantial cost of deploying network infrastructure and provide connectivity. Historically, it has subsidized voice service to ensure that rates in rural and urban areas are reasonably comparable. But with a series of reform orders that began in 2011, the FCC is modernizing the High Cost program to support broadband to ensure that all people in America – no matter where they live – have access to robust, affordable connectivity to fully participate in today’s society.

For bill text, click here.

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