Signed by Governor Mark Gordon

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes requirements for funding the Middle-Mile broadband internet projects.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the local council to fund the middle-mile broadband projects so long as the projects meet the following criteria and requirements, including (Sec. 1):

• There being no middle-mile infrastructure or functional equivalent in the proposed geographic broadband service area;

• The project does not result in any overbuild of middle-mile broadband infrastructure or functional equivalent;

• The project enables broadband internet providers to improve last-mile broadband internet service for end users;

• The broadband provider receiving funding ensures that access to any infrastructure is provided at a reasonable rate;

• The broadband provider agrees to allow the council to participate in arbitration to determine reasonable rates in the event of unsuccessful negotiations;

• The broadband provider provides the council with information over current leases to assist the council in determining rate prices; and

• The broadband provider allows the council to establish the aforementioned rules for funding the middle-mile broadband projects.

• Defines “middle-mile” as the broadband project for fiber-optic infrastructure, with the primary purpose of connecting last-mile broadband infrastructure and networks to network service providers (Sec. 2).

• Defines “last-mile” as a broadband project for fiber-optic infrastructure for fixed terrestrial infrastructure, including wireless infrastructure, with the primary purpose of providing broadband internet service to end users or end-user devices (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that eligible applicants for the aforementioned broadband projects shall include public private partnerships such as government entities including cities, improvement and service districts, or county or a joint powers board (Sec. 2):

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes requirements for funding the Middle-Mile broadband internet projects.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the local council to fund the middle-mile broadband projects so long as the projects meet the following criteria and requirements, including (Sec. 1):

• There being no middle-mile infrastructure or functional equivalent in the proposed geographic broadband service area;

• The project does not result in any overbuild of middle-mile broadband infrastructure or functional equivalent;

• The project enables broadband internet providers to improve last-mile broadband internet service for end users;

• The broadband provider receiving funding ensures that access to any infrastructure is provided at a reasonable rate;

• The broadband provider agrees to allow the council to participate in arbitration to determine reasonable rates in the event of unsuccessful negotiations;

• The broadband provider provides the council with information over current leases to assist the council in determining rate prices; and

• The broadband provider allows the council to establish the aforementioned rules for funding the middle-mile broadband projects.

• Defines “middle-mile” as the broadband project for fiber-optic infrastructure, with the primary purpose of connecting last-mile broadband infrastructure and networks to network service providers (Sec. 2).

• Defines “last-mile” as a broadband project for fiber-optic infrastructure for fixed terrestrial infrastructure, including wireless infrastructure, with the primary purpose of providing broadband internet service to end users or end-user devices (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that eligible applicants for the aforementioned broadband projects shall include public private partnerships such as government entities including cities, improvement and service districts, or county or a joint powers board (Sec. 2):

Full Bill Text