House Committee Approves Appalachian Satellite Broadband Bill

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2026 – The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act, which seeks to expand satellite broadband service in rural communities across Appalachia, will head to the full House after passing the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday.

Introduced by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, the bill would require the Government Accountability Office to study the effectiveness of incorporating satellite broadband projects into infrastructure grant programs by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

By assessing the capacity and cost-effectiveness of satellite broadband, the bill aims to support businesses and economic development in rural Appalachia across 13 U.S. states.