Strengthening Communication Networks: Grants for Disaster Resilience and Energy Efficiency.
This Act establishes a grant and loan program for communication network operators (internet, phone, cellular) to modernize infrastructure. The goal is to increase network resilience against extreme weather, natural disasters, and power outages, ensuring citizens maintain stable access to communication services during crises. The program also promotes energy-efficient and renewable solutions, potentially reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Key points
More stable communication during crises: Operators can receive funding to reinforce infrastructure (e.g., building protective walls, purchasing renewable backup generators) to guard against floods, fires, and extreme temperatures.
Grants for green solutions: Funds are available for projects increasing network energy efficiency, including installing solar panels and wind turbines, aiming to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Priority for vulnerable areas: Funding will be prioritized for low-income regions, areas with ethnic minorities, and rural areas where network resilience is currently the lowest.
New outage reporting standards: Operators receiving funds must regularly report detailed data on network outages (causes, duration, number of affected customers), increasing transparency and accountability.
Expired
Citizen Poll