Senate Passes Bill to Ease SEC Reporting Rules on Rural Providers

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2024 – A bill designed to provide regulatory relief to rural broadband providers unanimously passed the Senate on Wednesday.

The ACCESS Rural America Act would amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by offering smaller, locally owned broadband companies relief from costly SEC registration requirements and streamlined financial reporting requirements. 

This change would allow these companies to focus more resources on expanding broadband infrastructure and services in underserved rural communities, supporting efforts to close the digital divide.