This bill makes it easier and faster for internet and phone companies to install broadband and telecommunications equipment near railroad tracks. Currently, these companies have to go through a lengthy approval process with railroad companies whenever they want to place cables or equipment in railroad areas, which slows down broadband expansion.

The bill creates two different pathways depending on where the work happens. If a company is working in a public road or street that crosses railroad property, they only need to notify the railroad company 15 to 30 days before starting work—they don't need formal approval. However, if they're working directly on railroad property itself, they still need to submit a detailed application, and the railroad has 60 days to approve or deny it. The railroad can only reject the application if the work would damage railroad infrastructure or endanger passengers and employees. When working on railroad property, companies must pay the railroad's actual costs for reviewing the application and ensuring safety.

If either side disagrees about whether a project should be allowed or how much it should cost, they can ask the Federal Communications Commission to settle the dispute, which must be resolved within 90 days. The bill also requires the FCC to write detailed rules within a year to make sure railroad safety is protected while still allowing broadband companies to work efficiently, including faster processes for emergencies and abandoned railroad crossings. Overall, this bill aims to speed up internet infrastructure development while maintaining railroad safety standards.

Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act

Joyce, John

Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL ActThis bill establishes a framework for the placement or modification of broadband or telecommunications equipment in a railroad corridor.Specifically, if a broadband or telecommunications provider is seeking to place or modify equipment within a railroad carrier’s right-of-way, the provider must submit an application to the carrier. A carrier must approve or deny an application within 60 days of receipt, and may only deny an application for safety reasons or if the placement or modification would substantially interfere with or damage railroad infrastructure. Once an application is approved, work must be scheduled in coordination with the carrier and generally must begin within 30 days. A provider must pay the railroad carrier for actual costs incurred with respect to the application.However, if a provider has been authorized by a state or local government to place or modify equipment in a public right-of-way in an area that intersects with a railroad corridor, the provider need only notify the relevant railroad carrier and schedule the work in coordination with the carrier. Work must generally begin between 15 and 30 days after the notification is submitted. No fee is required.A provider or carrier may petition the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for relief if the other has failed to comply with these provisions.The FCC must promulgate regulations to implement these provisions in a manner that ensures railroad safety, provides a timelier process for emergency situations, and prevents substantial interference with railroad infrastructure or operations, among other requirements.