Overview
Title
To require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an assessment to identify locations in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for broadband internet access service and areas in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for cellular service, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
Imagine if some special places like national parks needed help to get better internet and phone signals. This bill asks a big helper to find out where it's needed the most and try to fix it so people can stay connected while still being nice to nature and animals.
Summary AI
The bill, S. 2018, aims to improve internet and cellular services in National Parks across the United States. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a thorough assessment within a year to identify the locations and areas within National Parks that have the greatest need for broadband internet and cellular service. Following this assessment, a plan must be developed within three years to install the necessary infrastructure, ensuring minimal impact on the environment, wildlife, and historic sites. The plan encourages using public-private partnerships and mandates consultation with local stakeholders and affected Indian Tribes.
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AnalysisAI
The bill titled the "Connect Our Parks Act" aims to enhance digital connectivity within the United States' National Parks. It mandates the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate and plan for improving broadband internet and cellular services in these parks. This initiative seeks to ensure visitors have access to vital internet services while maintaining minimal environmental impacts and using public-private partnerships to implement the necessary infrastructure improvements.
General Summary of the Bill
The legislation tasks the Secretary of the Interior with conducting a comprehensive assessment to determine where broadband and cellular services are most needed in the National Parks. The assessment should consider the availability of internet and cellular services in various park locations, such as housing and campgrounds. Subsequently, the Secretary is required to develop a plan within three years to address these needs through infrastructure enhancements. This plan aims to employ modern technologies while preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the parks. Importantly, parks deemed to already have adequate internet and cellular services are exempt from further action under this bill.
Summary of Significant Issues
One significant issue with the bill is its lack of clearly defined budget allocations or cost estimates for the proposed enhancements. Without these specifications, there is a risk of overspending or misallocation of resources. The bill also presents vagueness in how public-private partnerships will be established and monitored, raising concerns about potential favoritism or lack of transparency.
Additionally, the determination of service needs heavily relies on the judgment of individual park superintendents. This discretion could lead to inconsistent service levels across parks. Moreover, the technical specifications for broadband services might impose unnecessary costs, which could divert funds from more critical areas requiring attention.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, this bill could improve the visitor experience in National Parks by providing reliable internet and cellular services, which are essential for safety and convenience. This could lead to increased visitation and economic benefits for surrounding communities. Improved connectivity also supports timely access to emergency services and enhances communication for park staff, contributing to overall safety and operational efficiency.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For park visitors, the benefits include enhanced safety through better access to emergency services and improved convenience with the availability of digital services during their visits. However, environmental advocates might raise concerns about potential impacts on the parks' natural landscapes, despite the bill's emphasis on minimizing disruptions.
Local businesses and service providers stand to gain from increased visitor numbers and possibly participating in public-private partnerships. However, the ambiguous partnership guidelines might lead to challenges in ensuring fair opportunities and preventing favoritism towards specific companies.
In conclusion, while the "Connect Our Parks Act" aims to bring modern connectivity to the National Parks, careful consideration and additional clarity on financial implications and partnership frameworks will be essential to ensure successful implementation that balances technological advancements with conservation efforts.
Issues
The bill does not specify any cost estimates or budget allocations for the implementation of broadband internet and cellular service installations in National Parks. This omission could lead to unchecked spending and might be a significant concern for taxpayers and budget-conscious lawmakers. (Section 2)
The provision of 'public-private partnerships' in the bill is vague, lacking detailed guidelines on how these partnerships will be established and managed. This ambiguity could result in favoritism or the appearance of favoritism towards certain organizations, which might raise ethical concerns. (Section 2)
The bill allows for significant discretion on the part of National Park superintendents in determining the adequacy of access to broadband and cellular services. This could lead to inconsistent standards and service levels across different parks, potentially affecting access and equity. (Section 2)
The requirement for broadband internet access service to have at least 100-Mbps downstream and 20-Mbps upstream transmission capacity may impose high costs without considering the specific needs and constraints of each National Park, which might not require such high-speed services. This could lead to inefficient allocation of resources. (Section 2)
The bill lacks specific penalties or consequences if the planned infrastructure is not installed or fails to meet specified requirements within the given timeframe. This absence of accountability mechanisms could lead to delays or subpar implementation. (Section 2)
The language in the bill, particularly in terms of technical specifications for broadband and cellular infrastructure, might be complex and difficult for a general audience to understand. This could hinder public engagement and transparency efforts. (Section 2)
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of this act gives it a name, allowing it to be referred to as the "Connect Our Parks Act."
2. Broadband internet access service and cellular service assessment and planning in National Parks Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill section requires the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate and create a plan for improving broadband and cellular services in National Parks. It involves identifying areas with the greatest need, consulting local stakeholders, and ensuring minimal impact on natural views and wildlife using public-private partnerships to enhance connectivity.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Section 1 of the bill states that the official short title of the Act is the “Connect Our Parks Act.”
2. Broadband internet access service and cellular service assessment and planning in National Parks Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires the Secretary of the Interior to assess and determine where more broadband internet and cellular services are needed in National Parks. Within three years, the Secretary must develop a plan to install this infrastructure, considering environmental impacts and consulting with local tribes and stakeholders, while ensuring technology-neutral solutions and using public-private partnerships. The plan should be skipped for parks where there's already adequate access.