July 22, 2026— America’s Communications Association released the following statement following today’s passage of the Accelerating Broadband Permits Act by the Senate Commerce Committee.
“Independent communications service providers are investing to build and operate wireline networks that tens of millions of Americans depend on every day,” said Grant Spellmeyer, President and CEO of America’s Communications Association. “Often, these providers need to get permits from federal agencies for access to lands and infrastructure but find that agencies take too long act. The Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026 will help make that permitting process more transparent, accountable, and predictable. In addition, to ensure BEAD projects are not sidetracked, the legislation takes the important step requiring NTIA to establish a project tracking dashboard.
“America’s Communications Association thanks Leader Thune and Ranking Member Luján for their leadership on this issue and applaud today’s Senate Commerce Committee passage of the bill. We urge swift passage of the legislation by Congress and will continue to work with policymakers on new ways to improve oversight of the federal permitting process and the BEAD and other broadband support programs.”
America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is a trade organization representing approximately 500 small and medium-sized, independent companies that provide high-speed internet, video, phone, and mobile services covering 29 million households. ACA Connects members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of independent operators, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation. For more information, visit www.acaconnects.org.