The CONNECT Act of 2023 aims to expand broadband access in rural areas by reforming the federal permitting process and enhancing the Department of Agriculture's ReConnect Program. The bill establishes an Office of Technical Assistance and a mini-grant program to help smaller broadband providers navigate ReConnect applications, with $10 million annually allocated to each initiative, while giving priority and bonus points to applications from local governments, nonprofits, and cooperatives. The legislation requires the USDA to make permitting decisions for broadband projects within 180 days and establishes an interagency council to develop uniform speed requirements and standardized application forms for federal broadband funding. Additionally, the bill allows electric utilities to use existing fiber infrastructure on federal easements for broadband services without new federal permits, provided national security is not affected.
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