H.R. 6046 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Nov 17, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryStreamlines broadband equipment placement on railroad land
This bill creates rules for how broadband and telecommunications companies can place or upgrade equipment in railroad rights-of-way (the land that belongs to or is controlled by railroad companies). If a provider wants to do this work, they submit an application and the railroad carrier has 60 days to approve or deny it based on safety and infrastructure concerns. If a provider is already authorized by a state or local government to work in a public right-of-way that crosses railroad property, they just need to notify the railroad and coordinate timing instead of getting separate approval. The Federal Communications Commission would write detailed rules to make sure railroads stay safe and operations don't get disrupted.
How it affects you
If you live in an area where broadband companies and railroads need to work together, this bill could mean faster or easier upgrades to internet and phone service. Internet providers in rural areas that run along rail corridors would have a clearer process for expanding service. Most everyday people won't notice a direct change, but the bill mainly affects broadband providers, railroad companies, and the coordination between them.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Nov 17, 2025)
Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act
This bill establishes a framework for the placement or modification of broadband or telecommunications equipment in a railroad corridor.
Specifically, if a broadband or telecommunications provider is seeking to place or modify equipment within a railroad carrier’s right-of-way, the provider must submit an application to the carrier. A carrier must approve or deny an application within 60 days of receipt, and may only deny an application for safety reasons or if the placement or modification would substantially interfere with or damage railroad infrastructure. Once an application is approved, work must be scheduled in coordination with the carrier and generally must begin within 30 days. A provider must pay the railroad carrier for actual costs incurred with respect to the application.
However, if a provider has been authorized by a state or local government to place or modify equipment in a public right-of-way in an area that intersects with a railroad corridor, the provider need only notify the relevant railroad carrier and schedule the work in coordination with the carrier. Work must generally begin between 15 and 30 days after the notification is submitted. No fee is required.
A provider or carrier may petition the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for relief if the other has failed to comply with these provisions.
The FCC must promulgate regulations to implement these provisions in a manner that ensures railroad safety, provides a timelier process for emergency situations, and prevents substantial interference with railroad infrastructure or operations, among other requirements.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 6046
A BILL
Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act
Sponsor: Rep. John Joyce (R-PA-13) · Introduced Nov 17, 2025 · Science, Technology, Communications · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Dec 3, 2025: “Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.”