Senator’s bipartisan bill cuts red tape & encourages broadband investment in rural Arizona
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced the bipartisan ACCESS Rural America Act—legislation that cuts red tape to encourage investment in broadband infrastructure for rural and tribal communities in Arizona.
“High-speed internet allows rural and tribal communities throughout Arizona increased access to health care, education, and jobs,” said Sinema. “We’re working across the aisle to expand broadband, ensuring all Arizona communities have the connectivity they need.”
Sinema is a longtime advocate for closing Arizona’s digital divide, working to ensure every Arizonan can access quality high-speed internet and the opportunities that come with it. In addition to directing private investment in rural broadband by championing the ACCESS Rural America Act in the U.S. House, Sinema signed a bipartisan letter to the FCC last year, urging them to make public investments to connect rural communities with dependable voice and internet services.
As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Sinema has spoken in hearings on the need to expand 3G connectivity in rural areas and improve broadband mapping. In February, Sinema shared the concerns of Arizonans living in Sunscape, an RV resort in Pinal County, who lacked reliable cell service. The residents could not reliably call 911 in the event of an emergency. Sinema underscored that in the conversation around 5G connectivity, all Arizonans must have reliable 3G connectivity. Shortly after the hearing, Verizon Wireless confirmed they would build a cell tower to service the residents of Sunscape.