Data collection program to improve broadband availability approved

Lawmakers passed a bill July 21 that will help Nebraska obtain federal funding for increased broadband availability.

LB996, sponsored by Plymouth Sen. Tom Brandt, allows Nebraska to create a statewide crowdsourcing program to collect broadband availability data to supplement federal data that already is collected.

The bill prioritizes resources and outreach in areas of the state that crowdsourcing, public feedback and other evidence suggests are unserved or underserved by high-speed internet.

The bill passed 47-0 and takes effect immediately.