Telecom and consumer groups are preparing to make a major push for including billions of dollars for rural broadband funding in any infrastructure deal, even as lawmakers and advocates struggle with tough questions ahead.

Democratic leaders signaled that broadband investment could be a major part of the $2 trillion infrastructure deal they are pursuing with President Trump. Industry groups quickly took notice at what could be the most significant government investment in broadband in years. 

U.S. Telecom, which represents the country’s largest internet service providers, put out a statement immediately in support of a “muscular, serious infrastructure bill that narrows the digital divide, supports broadband deployment, modernizes networks and gets all American families.”

Consumer groups, which support significant rural broadband investments but often split with telecom groups over how that money should be allocated, have also started their lobbying efforts.

However, stakeholders told The Hill they’ve been burned before — the White House and Congress have circled a possible infrastructure deal for years and potential legislation has been sidelined many times. 

More at The Hill.