Driving Innovation and Growth in Internet Technology and Launching Universal Access to the Global Economy (DIGITAL AGE) Act of 2016

Driving Innovation and Growth in Internet Technology and Launching Universal Access to the Global Economy (DIGITAL AGE) Act of 2016

This bill requires the Department of State to establish a Special Representative for the Global Connect Initiative to direct, and represent the United States internationally on, U.S. foreign policy efforts to promote global universal Internet access.

The Special Representative shall: (1) oversee the State Department's Global Connect initiative to promote Internet access policies to enable first-time access to mobile and broadband Internet for at least 1.5 billion people in urban and rural areas by 2020, (2) promote investment by international finance institutions and U.S. corporations in Internet infrastructure expansion and connectivity projects, (3) encourage partner countries to adopt policies to lower prices and improve the quality of Internet service, and (4) collaborate with other federal agencies.

The U.S. Agency for International Development may support expanded Internet connectivity worldwide by: (1) providing guidance to partner governments on establishing regulatory policies; and (2) funding and implementing programs to expand Internet infrastructure, digital literacy, and Internet connectivity and usage.

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) should expedite institutional efforts and partner with other investors, local institutions, and private sector actors to increase Internet access services. Investments must focus on expanding: (1) the number of people with new access to Internet services; (2) construction of fiber, mobile, and other emerging access technologies; (3) rural area Internet access hubs; (4) the capacity of developing countries to monitor and regulate the Internet sector and encourage private investment; and (5) investment priorities in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with acute shortages of critical infrastructure.

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to: (1) allow OPIC to make loans for projects sponsored by, or significantly involving, U.S. investors or foreign associations with U.S. owners; (2) require systems infrastructure costs to be treated as transaction costs; and (3) extend until 2021 OPIC's authority to issue investment insurance, investment guarantees, and direct loans.

The President must report annually on a multiyear strategy encouraging developing countries to expand Internet access as a means to catalyze innovation and economic growth, promote democracy, create educational opportunities, improve health outcomes, and strengthen global research networks.

The President may establish an Interagency Working Group to coordinate U.S. government activities in carrying out the strategy.