Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act

This Act may be cited as the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act.

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct, and submit to Congress the results thereof, a study on the capability of the Appalachian Regional Commission to incorporate satellites in broadband projects.

In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall—

(1) review the capacity of satellite broadband services to be used for business purposes;

(2) evaluate economic development growth in areas that have used satellite broadband for businesses; and

(3) analyze the cost-effectiveness of implementing broadband via satellites for economic development.