Contact Congress about S. 98: Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

Companies seeking new FCC high-cost broadband funds would have to clear a stricter screening process first. They would need to prove they can build and run the network, and they could face steep penalties for early defaults.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 is signed into law. The latest recorded action: Became Public Law No: 119-89.

Latest action on S. 98: Became Public Law No: 119-89.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects companies and other groups that want new FCC broadband support for rural and other high-cost areas. It matters most to applicants that are new, smaller, or have weak records, because they may face a harder time qualifying. Rural communities could also feel the effects if stricter screening changes which providers win funding or how fast projects move.

Why this matters: This matters because broadband projects in rural areas can fail when funding goes to applicants that cannot finish the job. This bill tries to lower that risk by making applicants prove they are ready before they get new support. It could help protect public money and improve follow-through on broadband buildout. But the real effect on speed, competition, and coverage will depend on how strict the FCC makes the new rules.

Key provisions in S. 98

• The FCC would have to start writing new screening rules within 180 days. Those rules would cover applicants and other recipients seeking new high-cost universal service funding awards.
• Applicants would have to prove they can do the job before they get covered funding. They would need to show enough technical skill, money, and operating ability, plus a reasonable business plan.
• The FCC would have to review applications using established standards. That includes existing technical standards from its Digital Opportunity Data Collection orders, or any replacement system used later.
• Past rule-following would matter. The FCC would have to look at an applicant's record in FCC and other government broadband funding programs.
• Early failures could bring automatic penalties. In new covered funding programs, pre-authorization defaults would carry at least $9,000 per violation.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 98

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 98

What is S. 98?

Companies seeking new FCC high-cost broadband funds would have to clear a stricter screening process first. They would need to prove they can build and run the network, and they could face steep penalties for early defaults.

How do I support or oppose S. 98?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 98?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 98 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.