To require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an assessment to identify locations in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for broadband internet access service and areas in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for cellular service, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · October 25, 2023
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
The Connect Our Parks Act requires the Secretary of the Interior to assess broadband internet and cellular service availability across all units of the National Park System to identify locations with the greatest need for these services. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must complete this assessment and submit a report to Congress, examining broadband availability in park housing, administrative facilities, lodging, and campgrounds, as well as cellular service in developed areas that would benefit emergency services and park operations. Based on the assessment results, the Secretary must develop a comprehensive plan within three years to install broadband and cellular infrastructure in underserved parks, with requirements that the plan minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources, prioritize previously disturbed areas, and utilize public-private partnerships. The legislation specifies minimum broadband standards of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds and requires consultation with affected Indian Tribes and local stakeholders. Parks where the superintendent determines adequate service already exists are exempt from the planning requirements.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.