E-BRIDGE Broadband Law Signed by Biden

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2025 – A recent bill signed into law will help promote broadband partnerships between rural communities and the private sector.

The Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden last week. The bill was initially introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., back in March, 2023.

The law is intended to make it easier for businesses in underserved rural communities who get assistance from the Economic Development Administration to get broadband. It will ensure that underresourced communities can partner with the private sector for their broadband projects using EDA grants, without the worry of not meeting eligibility requirements and losing their funding.