,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #ddi ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,february #bg1 #bjag,mr4 ,markey introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations ,a ,,bill ,to promote worldwide access to the ,internet1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,driving ,innovation and ,growth in ,internet ,technology and ,launching ,universal ,access to the ,global ,economy 7,,digital ,,age7 ,act of #bjag4 #b4 ,appropriate congressional committees defined ,in this ,act1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 #c4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this ,act is to support and enhance existing ,united ,states ,government efforts to expand access to the ,internet for people living in developing countries as a means to catalyze innovation and economic growth1 promote democracy and good governance1 create new educational opportunities1 improve health outcomes1 and strengthen global research networks4 #d4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,internet access has been a driver of economic activity around the world4 ,unbounded by national borders1 it contains the potential to significantly reduce global economic inequality4 7#b7 ,of more than #g1jjj1jjj1jjj people in the world1 #c1dfj1jjj1jjj were using the ,internet by the end of #bjaf4 #dg percent of the world's population is now online1 with #b1ejj1jjj1jjj users living in the developing world4 7#c7 ,nevertheless1 more than half of the world's population remains offline1 living without the economic and social benefits of the ,internet1 and developing countries remain far behind global averages in terms of connectivity1 creating a global digital divide4 ,by the end of #bjaf1 #hc4h percent of households in the developed world had ,internet access1 compared with just #da4a percent of households in developing countries and just #aa4a percent in the world's least developed countries4 7#d7 ,there is inequality within countries as well4 ,across the developing world1 there are on average #bc percent fewer women online than men4 ,uneven connectivity and usage whether between countries or between people risks leaving those who are not online behind4 7#e7 ,it is widely recognized that information and communication technologies will help achieve progress across the #ag goals of the ,united ,nations #bjcj ,agenda for ,sustainable ,development4 7#f7 ,achieving this goal requires overcoming many barriers4 ,governments of developing countries often lack the resources to make this investment1 and there are sometimes significant barriers to private sector investment in connectivity1 particularly in rural and other remote areas4 7#g7 ,in addition to obstacles to expanding connectivity infrastructure1 there are often barriers to access even where that infrastructure is in place4 ,in the world's least developed countries1 one month of ,internet access can cost well over the average person's annual income4 ,the cost of devices for accessing the ,internet1 a lack of digital and traditional literacy1 gender and other inequality1 and limited locally relevant content also combine to serve as barriers to universal ,internet access and usage4 7#h7 ,even where infrastructure and devices are available1 some governments are active in censoring and restricting access to certain content and services and enhancing surveillance over and repression of online conduct in contravention of internationally recognized human rights standards4 ,according to a #bjaf ,freedom ,house study1 #fg percent the world's ,internet users live in countries where criticism of the government1 military1 or ruling family has been subject to censorship4 7#i7 ,while these are significant barriers1 there are proven policies that countries can implement to address them4 ,creating a regulatory approach that promotes a competitive marketplace1 taxing ,internet access devices such as smartphones appropriately1 promoting free expression and the free flow of data1 and creating universal service funds are just some of the policies that can help bring the cost of infrastructure investment and ,internet access to a more affordable level4 7#aj7 ,the ,united ,states is already a leader in promoting access to open1 interoperable ,internet around the world4 ,for example1 in ,april #bjaf1 the ,department of ,state launched a new diplomatic effort called ,global ,connect1 which seeks to bring an additional #a1ejj1jjj1jjj people online by #bjbj4 7#aa7 ,united ,states ,government support for expanded ,internet access is not only in keeping with our global leadership in the effort to end extreme global poverty and enabling resilient1 democratic societies1 but is also vital for ,united ,states national security and economic interests4 #e4 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to promote increased public and private investment in ,internet infrastructure and the creation of the conditions for universal ,internet access and usage worldwide by working with-- 7,a7 foreign governments to encourage policies to increase coverage and reduce the cost of access1 including by-- 7i7 creating a regulatory approach that promotes a competitive market for investment and innovation in ,internet infrastructure and services1 including fiber optic1 mobile1 satellite1 ,wi-,fi and other connectivity technologies as well as digital financial services and other innovative services and content that can drive use2 7ii7 developing policies for effective1 transparent and efficient spectrum allocation1 ensuring adequate bandwidth is released to drive the expansion of #c;,g1 #d;,g1 and successive generations of data-rich mobile network services while also encouraging innovative use of wireless technologies to meet public interest goals2 7iii7 promoting policies that encourage infrastructure sharing and are aimed at creating incentives for network operators to share backbone1 tower1 and other forms of communications infrastructure1 as a means to significantly lower network costs2 7iv7 promoting policies that encourage the integration of ,internet infrastructure into traditional infrastructure projects to reduce costs1 such as by laying of fiber optic cable simultaneously with road construction2 7v7 promoting mechanisms for public financing of rural broadband connectivity and digital inclusion1 such as transparent and well-managed universal service funds1 similar to the one managed by the ,federal ,communications ,commission1 which also includes the ,e-,rate program1 which is specifically designed to connect schools and libraries to the ,internet2 7vi7 encouraging the creation1 strengthening1 and sustainment of independent agencies to regulate the telecommunications and ,internet industry and ensure consultation with all stakeholders in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations2 7vii7 encouraging the development of national broadband access plans with specific1 time-bound1 and measurable goals for achieving universal affordable access1 including a specific plan for bringing women1 minority1 and other marginalized groups online1 recognizing both the unique barriers and the unique social and economic benefits associated with extending access to such groups2 7viii7 collecting and openly releasing timely1 disaggregated data on all aspects of connectivity1 coverage1 and digital skills1 including data on equality of access for women1 minority1 and other disadvantaged groups2 7ix7 improving affordability of ,internet access devices such as smartphones and personal computers2 7x7 encouraging laws and regulations that enhance privacy1 freedom of expression1 and other rights to ensure their relevance and effectiveness in an online era1 with an emphasis on promoting a human rights-respecting approach in all ,internet expansion efforts2 7xi7 emphasizing the importance of ensuring comparable access for persons with disabilities2 7xii7 promoting an open and free ,internet1 which is essential for creating an environment of equal opportunity where innovation can occur1 and ensuring wholesale broadband infrastructure is available to all on fair and reasonable terms and in a manner which is transparent and nondiscriminatory2 7xiii7 creating public access facilities in places such as libraries1 schools1 government buildings1 and community centers and community ,wi-,fi networks or dedicated facilities for ,internet access1 which in addition to providing free or low-cost access1 can be ideal locations for digital literacy training1 online health1 banking and education services1 job seeking1 and access to government data and e-government services2 7xiv7 creating and supporting research and educational networks1 which are vital for connecting researchers and educators worldwide and facilitating collaboration in science1 medicine1 and other fields1 and ensuring a stable1 high-speed ,internet infrastructure at universities1 which is essential for the development of local technology-driven entrepreneurs2 7xv7 promoting access to government information and services online for purposes of disseminating information to and enabling participation by people who might not otherwise have access to information or participation1 enhancing accountability1 and extending the reach of the government to areas where it may have a limited presence 7particularly rural areas7 and for generating relevant content to draw people online2 and 7xvi7 providing technical assistance and prioritization of funding1 supporting policies and programs through assistance in the form of technical expertise and experience sharing and1 where appropriate1 through material support and funding2 7,b7 international organizations and international finance institutions to increase support for activities that expand ,internet access1 including by-- 7i7 encouraging the increase of ,internet access-related programs and other investments beyond the #a to #b percent they currently receive of all infrastructure-related investment financed by international finance institutions2 and 7ii7 encouraging the integration of ,internet infrastructure into traditional infrastructure projects1 such as the laying of fiber optic cable simultaneously with road construction to reduce costs2 and 7,c7 private companies to facilitate investment in ,internet infrastructure and affordable services in the developing world1 including by-- 7i7 offering and enhancing ,united ,states ,government programs to incentivize and facilitate investment in ,internet infrastructure in developing countries2 7ii7 encouraging companies to commit to principles of responsible business conduct1 develop systems and policies that identify1 prevent1 mitigate1 and account for adverse human rights impacts1 and enhance privacy and freedom of expression2 and 7iii7 encouraging the adoption of cooperative infrastructure-sharing policies and flexible approaches to spectrum reuse2 and 7#b7 to promote digital literacy and other skills people will need to take advantage of expanded and improved access to ,internet and close the global digital divide1 including where possible1 the integration by ,,usaid of digital literacy and related skills into programming and support from ,,usaid and the ,department of ,state for public access facilities1 such as ,internet in schools1 hospitals1 government buildings1 and other facilities as relevant4 #f4 ,special ,representative for the ,global ,connect ,initiative 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,state shall designate to the ,u4,s4 ,coordinator for ,international ,communications and ,information ,policy the additional role of ,special ,representative for the ,global ,connect ,initiative 7in this section referred to as ,special ,representative71 who shall continue to be appointed by the ,president1 by and with the consent of the ,senate4 7b7 ,purpose ,in addition to carrying out the duties described in subsection 7c7 and those duties determined by the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,special ,representative shall direct the foreign policy efforts of the ,united ,states ,government to promote global universal ,internet access1 and shall represent the ,united ,states internationally in bilateral and multilateral engagement on these matters4 7c7 ,duties ,the ,special ,representative shall-- 7#a7 oversee the ,global ,connect initiative to promote policies and programs that support quality1 affordable ,internet access1 with the goal of enabling first-time access to mobile and broadband ,internet for at least #a1ejj1jjj1jjj people in both urban and rural areas by #bjbj2 7#b7 promote greater investment by international finance institutions and ,united ,states corporations in ,internet infrastructure expansion and other projects to enhance connectivity1 as described in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 of section #e7a72 7#c7 encourage partner countries to adopt policies designed to lower prices and improve the quality of ,internet service1 such as those described in section #e7a77;,a72 and 7#d7 collaborate with other ,federal agencies to seek opportunities to promote connectivity projects4 7d7 ,collaboration and coordination ,the ,special ,representative shall1 as appropriate1 collaborate and coordinate with the ,department of ,commerce1 the ,federal ,communications ,commission1 the ,overseas ,private ,investment ,corporation1 the ,export-,import ,bank1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation1 and other relevant agencies in formulating ,united ,states policies1 reports1 and implementation strategies for expanding global ,internet access4 7e7 ,appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated-- 7#a7 such funds as may be necessary to support the work of the ,special ,representative and three full time equivalent 7,,fte7 staff members2 and 7#b7 #bjj1jjj to provide further funding to the ,technology ,leadership ,program as part of a ,global ,connect fund in order to help bring an additional #a1ejj1jjj1jjj people online by #bjbj4 7f7 ,annual report ,not more than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to the appropriate committees a report describing-- 7#a7 the plans and existing efforts of the ,united ,states ,government to promote universal ,internet access2 7#b7 specific steps taken toward the goals of connecting an additional #a1ejj1jjj1jjj people by #bjbj and expanding the information communications technology sectors of developing countries2 7#c7 methods for private companies to partner in furtherance of these goals2 and 7#d7 recommendations for further executive and legislative action4 #g4 ,,usaid support for connectivity1 digital literacy1 and related needs 7a7 ,purpose ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development is authorized to support expanded ,internet connectivity worldwide by-- 7#a7 taking part in ,department of ,state efforts to provide guidance to partner governments on establishing regulatory policies that facilitate expanded ,internet connectivity and information communications technology sectors in developing countries2 7#b7 funding and implementing programs to expand ,internet infrastructure and improve digital literacy1 as well as other measures necessary to improve ,internet connectivity and usage1 in close coordination with the ,secretary of ,state2 7#c7 building the capacity of developing countries to monitor and appropriately and transparently regulate the ,internet sector and to encourage private investment in ,internet infrastructure and services2 7#d7 integrating efforts to expand ,internet access1 develop appropriate technologies1 and enhance digital literacy and the availability of relevant local content across development sectors such as health programs of the ,agency1 where appropriate2 and 7#e7 carrying out other activities as deemed necessary by the ,administrator4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes1 there is authorized to be appropriated #a1jjj1jjj in fiscal year #bjag to support ,,usaid activities to promote universal ,internet connectivity4 7c7 ,reporting ,the ,administrator shall coordinate with the ,secretary of ,state to ensure ,,usaid's activities to promote universal ,internet connectivity are included in the report required under section #f7;f74 #h4 ,prioritization of efforts for projects that promote expanded ,internet access by the ,overseas ,private ,investment ,corporation 7a7 ,in general ,the ,overseas ,private ,investment ,corporation should1 as appropriate1 prioritize and expedite institutional efforts and assistance to facilitate the involvement of such institutions in ,internet access-related projects and markets in developing counties and partner with investors1 private sector actors1 and other stakeholders to specifically increase access to high-quality1 open1 and affordable ,internet services4 ,such investments should be focused on promoting ,internet access with the goal of-- 7#a7 maximizing the number of people with new access to ,internet services2 7#b7 improving and expanding the construction of ,internet infrastructure1 including fiber1 mobile1 and other emerging access technologies2 7#c7 expanding access to ,internet for those in underserved and rural areas2 and 7#d7 prioritizing investment in countries and regions with particularly acute shortages of critical infrastructure and services needed for ,internet access1 such as sub-,saharan ,africa4 7b7 ,amendments ,title ,,iv of chapter #b of part ,i of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa is amended-- 7#a7 in section #bcd7;c7 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baid7;c771 by inserting eligible investors or after involve2 7#b7 in section #bcg7;d7 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baig7;d77-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by inserting 1 systems infrastructure costs1 after outside the ,corporation2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by inserting 1 systems infrastructure costs1 after project-specific transaction costs2 7#c7 in section #bce7;a77#b7 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baie7;a77#b771 by striking #bjjg and inserting #bjba2 and 7#d7 in section #bch7;c7 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baih7;c771 by inserting or having significant ,united ,states connections after owned by ,united ,states citizens4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated #e1jjj1jjj for the ,overseas ,private ,investment ,corporation for fiscal year #bjag to carry out the purposes of this ,act4 #i4 ,development of a comprehensive strategy 7a7 ,strategy required ,the ,president shall incorporate a comprehensive1 integrated1 multiyear strategy encouraging the efforts of developing countries to expand information communications technology sectors of developing countries and access to the ,internet for their people as a means to catalyze innovation and economic growth1 promote democracy and good governance1 create new educational opportunities1 improve health outcomes1 and strengthen global research networks consistent with the policy stated in section #e into regular ,department of ,state and ,,usaid strategic planning processes1 including at the departmental1 bureau1 and mission level4 7b7 ,annual report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,president shall submit to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report that contains the strategy required under subsection 7a7 and includes the following elements3 7#a7 ,the objectives of the strategy and the criteria for determining the success of the strategy4 7#b7 ,a description of efforts to achieve the policy stated in section #e4 7#c7 ,a description of plans to support efforts of developing countries to expand ,internet access with the goal of creating favorable conditions for economic growth and poverty reduction in urban and rural areas4 7#d7 ,a description of efforts by the ,united ,states ,government to create an impact on the enabling policy and regulatory environments of developing nations to foster ,internet access as well as expanding access to digital goods and services with the goal of creating favorable conditions for information sharing1 democratic governance1 and poverty reduction4 7#e7 ,a description of how ,united ,states investments to increase ,internet access in developing countries may increase economic growth and thereby reduce the need for development assistance in the future4 7#f7 ,a description of efforts to include integration of gender-equitable affordable ,internet access into existing economic and business assessments1 evaluations1 and indexes1 such as ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation economic constraints analyses4 7c7 ,interagency working group 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,president may1 as appropriate1 establish an ,interagency ,working ,group to coordinate the activities of relevant ,united ,states ,government departments and agencies involved in carrying out the strategy required under this section4 ,these agencies should include the ,department of ,state1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,federal ,communications ,commission1 the ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation1 the ,overseas ,private ,investment ,corporation1 and the ,export-,import ,bank4 7#b7 ,functions ,the ,interagency ,working ,group may1 among other things-- 7,a7 seek to coordinate the activities of the ,united ,states ,government departments and agencies involved in implementing the strategy required under this section2 7,b7 ensure efficient and effective coordination between participating departments and agencies2 and 7,c7 facilitate information sharing and coordinate partnerships between the ,united ,states ,government1 the private sector1 and other development partners to achieve the goals of the strategy4