Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2024

This bill creates a new screening process for companies seeking federal funding to build rural broadband networks. It requires applicants to prove they have the technical, financial, and operational capability to deploy and maintain broadband networks meeting specific performance standards, including providing documentation about their business plan and past compliance with similar programs. The Federal Communications Commission must establish rules within 180 days to implement this vetting, including minimum penalties of $9,000 per violation for applicants who fail to meet requirements. The law directly affects companies applying for new high-cost universal service fund awards to deploy broadband in rural areas.