""I'm proud to introduce legislation that will make it easier to expand broadband in rural and Tribal communities across New Mexico. Expanding broadband access strengthens local economies and opens the door to better education, job opportunities, and health care," Senator Luján, the ranking member of U.S. Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, said in a press release. "With nearly 2,000 miles of freight rail across our state, this bill streamlines broadband construction along rail corridors to help connect regions that have long been underserved.""
"Notification: Broadband providers will work with the state or locality to determine the scope of work they are authorized to perform. The broadband then will notify the rail carrier to schedule the work. This bill sets strict timelines for the work. Application: Broadband providers request permission from a railroad carrier before putting their equipment in railroad carrier owned rights-of-way. Under this bill, the rail carrier may only deny the request if the application fails to meet requirements related to safety, damage, or prohibiting the operations of the rail carrier."
The bipartisan Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act would ease deployment of telecom and broadband equipment in public and private railroad rights-of-way by streamlining permission processes and imposing strict timelines. The measure targets inconsistent, slow, and costly authorization structures that hinder rural broadband access, where 22.3% of residents lack service compared with 1.5% in urban areas. The bill establishes Notification and Application procedures, requires coordination with state or local authorities, limits rail carrier denial to safety, damage, or operational concerns, and mandates railroad responses and scheduling to accelerate construction and expand service.
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