Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act

This bill would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to provide regular reports to Congress on the status of online portals for processing communications facility applications on federal lands. These reports would identify whether the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service have established digital systems for handling requests such as easements and rights-of-way for communications infrastructure. The NTIA would be required to submit an initial report within 90 days of enactment and continue reporting every 60 days until both agencies have successfully implemented their respective portals.

The bill directly affects the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Department of the Interior, and the Forest Service, as these agencies must coordinate on the reporting and establishment of online application portals. It also impacts entities seeking communications use authorizations, such as those requesting easements or leases to locate communications facilities on public lands or National Forest System land. Additionally, the legislation involves Congress through the required submission of periodic progress reports regarding portal development and implementation barriers.

• Reporting on online application portals. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must provide periodic reports to Congress regarding the development of online portals for processing communications use authorizations. These reports must identify whether the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service have established such portals and describe any barriers to their creation.
• Establishment of reporting timelines. The NTIA is required to submit an initial report within 90 days of the bill's enactment. Subsequent updates must be provided every 60 days until the online portals are fully established.
• Agency notification requirements. The Department of the Interior and the Forest Service are required to notify the NTIA within three business days once their respective online application portals have been established.
• Scope of communications use authorizations. The bill defines these authorizations as requests for easements, rights-of-way, leases, or licenses to locate or modify communications facilities on public lands or National Forest System land.

• H.R. 1588, Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act
  Feb 24, 2026 · As reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on February 4, 2026

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration must submit its initial report to Congress within 90 days of the bill's enactment, with subsequent reports required every 60 days until the online portals are established.

The bill mandates new reporting requirements for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration regarding the administrative processes of the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service. It specifically addresses the management of communications use authorizations for facilities located on public lands and National Forest System land.

The bill aims to facilitate the deployment of communications infrastructure by requiring the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to monitor and report on the establishment of online portals by the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service. These portals are intended to streamline the acceptance and processing of applications for communications use authorizations on public and National Forest System lands.