The Eliminate From Regulators Opportunities to Nationalize the Internet in Every Respect Act (E-FRONTIER Act) was introduced by Reps. Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Filemon Vela (D-Tex.), and Susan Brooks (R-Ind.).
Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced a Senate version of the bill last week (March 27).
Specifically the bill would "prohibit the President or a Federal agency from constructing, operating, or offering wholesale or retail services on broadband networks without authorization from Congress..."
The Trump Administration has reportedly kicked around the idea of nationalizing at least part of a 5G network as a cybersecurity strategy, but got plenty of pushback and that appears to have been put on the back burner.
“Private investment in broadband infrastructure, competition, and right-sized government involvement have made America leaders in innovation,” said Rep. Cárdenas. “I am proud today to introduce the bipartisan E-FRONTIER Act, which prevents Administration attempts to nationalize our broadband network..."
"For the sake of the free market and sound national security operations, the federal government should stay out of constructing the 5G broadband network," said Rep. Banks.
