Signed by Governor Kate Brown

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires notifications and process for allowing interested telecommunications providers to coordinate with the Department of Transportation to include installation of underground infrastructure for the provision of broadband as part of certain projects included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

Highlights:

• Defines “broadband” as wide bandwidth communications transmissions over coaxial cable, optical fiber, radio or twisted pair with an ability to simultaneously transport multiple signals and traffic types and minimal transmissions speed, at no less than 25 megabits per second for downloads and 3 megabits for uploads (Sec. 1).

• Defines “communications” as media that communicate voice, data, text, or video over a distance using electrical, electronic, or light wave transmissions (Sec. 1).

• Defines “interstate highway” as every state highway that is part of the national systems of interstate and defense highways (Sec. 1).

• Defines “telecommunications provider” as any individual that is capable of providing broadband and communications services including telecommunications (Sec. 1).

• Defines “underground utility infrastructure” as any underground wires, cables, conduits, switches, transmission equipment, or other equipment for use of transmitting or processing broadband services or for providing support or connections to such equipment (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes telecommunications providers to coordinate with the Department of Transportation to include installation of underground utility infrastructure along interstate highways for the provision of broadband spending as part of certain projects included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the Department of Transportation shall have final determination on the suitability of modifying a project to include installation of underground utility infrastructure and may prescribe any conditions, requirements, or restrictions on modification provisions (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text