Bill would require federal plan to track broadband permit applications

What does this do?

HR 1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to create a plan for tracking "Form 299" applications, which companies file to build communications equipment on federal land. The plan, due to Congress within 180 days, must explain how to track applications from start to finish, improve status updates for applicants, and identify obstacles to building such a tracking system.

Who does it affect?

Telecommunications and broadband companies that apply for permits to install equipment on federal land managed by agencies like the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, or National Forest System. Rural and underserved communities could be indirectly affected.

Why does it matter?

The bill does not change who can build broadband infrastructure or where, and it sets no deadlines for approving individual permits. It focuses only on internal government tracking and transparency, so any effect on actual broadband deployment speed would depend on how the plan is later implemented.

Where does it stand?