Fargo Standard

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak has introduced the CABLE Expansion Act, a bill aimed at making it easier for cable operators to deploy and upgrade broadband networks. The legislation seeks to simplify the permitting process while maintaining the authority of local governments.

“Reliable broadband shouldn't be a luxury in today’s economy—it’s a necessity for families, farmers, and businesses across North Dakota and the nation,” Fedorchak said. “This commonsense legislation will help providers deploy and upgrade networks more quickly, reduce the regulatory burden, and lower costs, all while preserving local control over permitting decisions.”

The CABLE Expansion Act is part of broader efforts by the Energy and Commerce Committee to speed up broadband permitting. The bill will be discussed at an upcoming committee hearing.

Key provisions of the proposed legislation include streamlining applications for cable operators when they apply to franchise authorities for network deployment or upgrades. The bill also requires that local authorities provide timely, written responses to such applications.

If no response is issued within set timelines, applications would be automatically granted. The act calls for transparency in fees charged by local authorities, limiting them to actual direct costs. Any denial of an application must be documented in writing, made public, and supported by clear evidence at the time of decision.

Additionally, these new rules on timelines and fees would apply retroactively to pending requests that have not yet been approved or denied.