Rural Telcon Congress 14: Report on 50 states as to Broadband Status by Galen Updike
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The Following Worksheets provide data about State broadband Programs, Policy, Funding and broadband availability. information, Providers, Policy makers, and broadband Program leaders will hopefully become better educated about programs, including info which will lead to Best Practices, solutions to legal issues, and comparisons with simil . The 10 Attributes are an adaption of a speech by Rachelle Chong, a former FCC and California State PUC Commission regarding the necessary ingredients for a successful State Broadband program are invaluable. She has "walked the Keynote speaker at the RTC 2010 Conference, providing the "The Secret Sauce to Rural Broadband". It has had impa subsequent design of many State programs. The first Worksheet hereunder is entitled Attributes Overview, and it identifies the level of adherance by State 10 Attributes identified. The next Worksheet lists the SBDD/SBI grants for each US State (excluded are the US Territories and DC.). Links all web aspects of each program, including to the respective State Quarterly reports to NTIA. The next worksheet identifies all of the SBDD awards, in an easily perused format. The next worksheet identifies all of the BTOP Infrastructure (Middle Mile) ARRA Broadband grants from both Round1 only a few exceptions, these projects ended Sept 30, 2013. But their impact of have meant a significant increase Availability in the US. The final worksheet in this grouping of grant info, provides a per capita analysis of po BTOP grant dollars for each state. The next series of Worksheets identify policy, governance, and state by state legislative actions regarding Broad 2013. These are followed by worksheets which show capacity and connection speed increases to end users in each State be 2013. These data sheets are derived from AKAMAI Statistics obtained in 2013. Finally some US Maps are provided, depicting where the USDA BIP infrastructure grants were located, followed by M State by State picture of the combined total of BTOP and BIP grants. Downloads of these worksheets are available for no cost from the Rural Telecom Congress (RTC) Website. Hopefully useful for awhile.
Transcript
The Following Worksheets provide data about State broadband Programs, Policy, Funding and broadband availability. Through this information, Providers, Policy makers, and broadband Program leaders will hopefully become better educated about other States' programs, including info which will lead to Best Practices, solutions to legal issues, and comparisons with similar sized programs. The 10 Attributes are an adaption of a speech by Rachelle Chong, a former FCC and California State PUC Commissioner, whose advice regarding the necessary ingredients for a successful State Broadband program are invaluable. She has "walked the talk". She was a Keynote speaker at the RTC 2010 Conference, providing the "The Secret Sauce to Rural Broadband". It has had impact in the subsequent design of many State programs.
The first Worksheet hereunder is entitled Attributes Overview, and it identifies the level of adherance by State Programs to the 10 Attributes identified.
The next Worksheet lists the SBDD/SBI grants for each US State (excluded are the US Territories and DC.). Links are provided to all web aspects of each program, including to the respective State Quarterly reports to NTIA.The next worksheet identifies all of the SBDD awards, in an easily perused format.The next worksheet identifies all of the BTOP Infrastructure (Middle Mile) ARRA Broadband grants from both Round1 and Round2. With only a few exceptions, these projects ended Sept 30, 2013. But their impact of have meant a significant increase in Broadband Availability in the US. The final worksheet in this grouping of grant info, provides a per capita analysis of population and total BTOP grant dollars for each state.
The next series of Worksheets identify policy, governance, and state by state legislative actions regarding Broadband, through 2013.
These are followed by worksheets which show capacity and connection speed increases to end users in each State between 2011 and 2013. These data sheets are derived from AKAMAI Statistics obtained in 2013.
Finally some US Maps are provided, depicting where the USDA BIP infrastructure grants were located, followed by Map depicting a State by State picture of the combined total of BTOP and BIP grants.
Downloads of these worksheets are available for no cost from the Rural Telecom Congress (RTC) Website. Hopefully the data will be useful for awhile.
State by State status as defined by 10 Attributes for Successful State Broadband Programs
For a quick sample of State by State mapping of BroadbandAvailability click here:
http://www.statetechmagazine.com/article/2014/02/united-states-broadband-50-beautiful-maps-connectivity(We thank and Acknowledge CDW for this Feb 18, 2014 sampling of State Broadband maps in State Tech Magazine by Jimmy Daly.)
NTIA Link to State byState Grant DATA
State's Mapping Link
Website Last
Updated
NTIA Designated Grantee
State Agency Responsible
Email or Contact for More Infromation
Phone Contact
Alabama AL Broadband Map Connecting-AlabamaAlabama Dept of Econ & Community Affairs (ADECA)
Kentucky KY Broadband Map KY State BB Program KY Finance & Admin Cabinet
Office of BB Outreach & Development (OBOD)[email protected] (502)564-4421
Louisiana LA Broadband Map LA State Resource LA Broadband Initiative
Maine ME Broadband Map ConnectME State BB Program State of Maine / Connect MeAuthority Connect Maine Authority
Maryland MD Broadband Map MD State Resource MD Dept of Business & Economic Devel. MD Broadband Initiative [email protected] 410-341-MDBC
(6322)
Massa-chusettsMA Broadband Map Massechussetts BB Institute MASS Broadband Institute (MBI) Massechussetts Broadband Institute (MBI)- a MA [email protected] (508) 870-0312
Michigan MI Broadband Map MI State BB Program Connected Nation /ConnectMI Michigan Public Service [email protected]
Minnesota MN Broadband Map MN State ResourceConnected Nation/Connect Minnesota
States Recipient Total AwardAlabama Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs $4,874,142 Alaska Connected Nation (Alaska) $6,378,198 Arizona Arizona (Transferred to Dept of Admin - ASET) $6,358,179 Arkansas Connect Arkansas $6,175,366 California California Public Utilities Commission $7,981,304 Colorado Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology $5,382,082 Connecticut Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control $3,782,938 Delaware Delaware Department of Technology and Information $3,080,450 Dist of Columbia DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer $4,041,816 Florida Florida Department of Management Services $8,877,028 Georgia Georgia Technology Authority $5,229,940 Hawaii Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs $4,349,940 Idaho EdLabs Group Foundation /Costquest $4,486,214 Illinois The Partnership for a Connected Illinois $6,554,641 Indiana Indiana Office of Technology $3,294,766 Iowa Connected Nation (Iowa) $5,769,942
Kansas $6,371,514
Kentucky Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of Technology $5,302,717 Louisiana State of Louisiana Division of Administration $6,649,679 Maine State of Maine, ConnectME Authority $4,978,492 Maryland Maryland Broadband Cooperative $4,755,768 Massachusetts Massachusetts Broadband Institute $6,162,554 Michigan Connected Nation (Michigan) $4,755,684 Minnesota Connected Nation (Minnesota) $4,470,035 Mississippi Office of the Governor, State of Mississippi $7,011,691 Missouri Missouri Office of Administration $6,573,382 Montana Montana Department of Commerce $6,084,826 Nebraska Nebraska Public Service Commission $5,662,785 Nevada Connected Nation (Nevada) $3,993,441 New Hampshire University of New Hampshire $6,113,338 New Jersey New Jersey Office of Information Technology $4,926,106 New Mexico New Mexico Department of Information Technology $4,762,287 New York NY State Office of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure $8,923,532 North Carolina North Carolina Department of Commerce (Transferred from Rural Eco $6,610,996 North Dakota North Dakota Information Technology Department $3,664,087 Ohio Ohio Office of Information Technology $7,025,762 Oklahoma Oklahoma Office of State Finance $3,815,185 Oregon Public Utility Commission of Oregon $5,658,302 Pennsylvania PA Department of Community and Economic Development $7,356,301 Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Governor’s Office $2,533,678 Rhode Island Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation $4,544,787 South Carolina Connected Nation (South Carolina) $3,979,832 South Dakota South Dakota Bureau of Information & Telecommunications $5,729,415 Tennessee Connected Nation Tennessee $4,479,620 Texas Connected Nation Texas $8,026,000
NTIA SBDD - State Mapping and Planning Grant Recipients - 2009 - 2014
Kansas Department of Commerce (transferred from Connected Nation)
Utah Utah Public Service Commission & Commerce Authority $5,196,025 Vermont Vermont Center for Geographic Information, Inc. $3,542,996 Virginia Center for Innovative Technology $8,099,979 Washington Washington State Department of Information Services $7,314,042 West Virginia West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey $4,749,181 Wisconsin PUC of Wisconsin (managed by Costquest) $4,540,152 Wyoming EdLab Group Foundation (Formerly known as Puget Sound Center for $4,153,833
California Los Angeles Public Safety Broadband Network: LA-SafetyNet $ 154,640,000
California Digital 395 Middle Mile $ 81,148,788 Nevada
California $ 50,593,551
California The Central Valley Next Generation Broadband Infrastructure Project $ 46,619,757
California Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications Middle Mile Fiber Project $ 13,770,240
California Expanding Broadband Access Across California $ 3,291,994
Colorado $ 100,635,190
Colorado ADCOM 911 – DIA Regional Broadband Network $ 12,137,422
Connecticut $ 93,855,029
District of Columbia DC Community Access Network $ 17,457,764
Florida Ubiquitous Middle Mile $ 30,142,676
Florida Florida Rural Middle Mile Networks - Northwest and South Central Regions $ 23,693,665
Florida Expanding Broadband Access Across Florida $ 2,066,250
Georgia North Georgia Network $ 33,490,537
Georgia Columbia County Community Broadband Network $ 13,483,004
Georgia Expanding Broadband Access Across Georgia $ 1,427,310
Hawaii $ 33,972,800
This Table provides a list of all 120 BTOP Infrastructure grants announced by NTIA in all rounds. The grant recipient name is linked to information about that grant, including a link to all BTOP progress reports filed by the recipient to date.
Other States Partner or $Amount Shared
University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development
Trillion Communications, Inc.
Troy Cablevision, Inc. Southeast Alabama SmartBand - Rural Broadband for Economic Development and Energy Management
Appalachian Valley Fiber NetworkJKM Consulting, Inc.GovNET, LLC
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Navajo Nation Middle/Last Mile Project: Quality Broadband for the Navajo People
University of Arkansas System The Arkansas Healthcare, Higher Education, Public Safety, & Research Integrated Broadband Initiative
Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System Authority (LA-RICS)
California Broadband Cooperative, Inc.
Motorola Solutions, Inc. The San Francisco Bay Area Wireless Enhanced Broadband Project (BayWEB)
Central Valley Independent Network, LLCPlumas Sierra Rural Electric CooperativeLevel 3 EON, LLC
Centennial Board of Cooperative Educational Services (CBOCES) transferred to Eagle-Net AllianceColorado Community Anchors Broadband Consortium-Connecting Colorado’s Middle Mile
Adams County Communications Center, Inc. (ADCOM)
Connecticut Department of Information TechnologyAccess Connecticut: Expanding the State’s Education and Public Safety Network
District of Columbia GovernmentNorth Florida Broadband AuthorityFlorida Rural Broadband AllianceLevel 3 EON, LLCNorth Georgia Network Cooperative, Inc.
Columbia County Georgia Information Technology Department
Level 3 EON, LLC
University of Hawaii System, Ke Ala ‘Ike Ke Ala ‘Ike: Connecting Hawaii’s Public Schools, Community Colleges and Libraries
Minnesota Connect Anoka County Community Broadband Network $ 13,382,593 Minnesota Carver County Open Fiber Initiative $ 5,995,600
Mississippi Mississippi Education, Safety and Health Network (MESHNet) $ 70,055,000 $102,364,489Mississippi South Central Mississippi Broadband Infrastructure Project $ 20,725,022
First Step Internet
Digital Bridge Communications - Cassia County, IdahoLast Mile Broadband for Underserved Portions of Cassia, Jerome, and Twin Falls Counties, Idaho
Nez Perce Tribe
Digital Bridge Communications - Twin Falls County, IdahoLast Mile Broadband for Underserved Portions of Cassia, Jerome, and Twin Falls Counties, Idaho
Digital Bridge Communications - Jerome County, IdahoLast Mile Broadband for Underserved Portions of Cassia, Jerome, and Twin Falls Counties, Idaho
Illinois Department of Central Management Services
Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisDeKalb County Government
Zayo Bandwidth, LLC Indiana Middle Mile Fiber for Schools, Communities, and Anchor Institutions
Education Networks of America, Inc.Iowa Health SystemIowa Communications NetworkLevel 3 EON, LLC
City of Williamstown, Kentucky Deployment of Broadband to Corinth, Ky., and Other Areas in Grant and Owen County, Ky.
State of Louisiana Board of RegentsNexus Systems, Inc.
Maine Fiber Company, Inc. (transferred from Biddeford Internet Corp. d.b.a. GWI)
Maryland Department of Information Technology
Massachusetts Technology ParkOpenCape CorporationOSHEAN Inc.
Merit Network, Inc. Minnesota, Wisconsin
Merit Network, Inc.Bloomingdale Communications Inc.Enventis Telecom, Inc.Zayo Bandwidth, LLCCounty of CarverExecutive Office of the State of MississippiContact Network, Inc.
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Research and Education Network (PennREN) $ 99,660,678
Pennsylvania Enhancing Connectivity in Northern Pennsylvania $ 28,784,014
Rhode Island BEACON 2.0 $ 21,739,183
Contact Network, Inc.BlueBird Media, LLCSho-Me Technologies, LLCRonan Telephone CompanyNebraskaLink, LLCNevada Hospital AssociationPyramid Lake Paiute TribeUniversity System of New HampshireNew Jersey Department of Treasury
New Mexico Department of Information TechnologyNew Mexico Statewide Interoperable Radio Communication Internet Transport System (SIRCITS)
ENMR Telephone Cooperative, Inc. dba ENMR-Plateau
ENMR Telephone Cooperative, Inc. dba ENMR-Plateau
North Central New Mexico Economic Development District
ION Hold Co., LLC transferred to ION NewCo Corp. Pennsylvania, Vermont
MCNC
MCNC Building a Sustainable Middle Mile Network for Underserved Rural North Carolina
City of CharlotteDakota Carrier Network, LLCHorizon Telcom, Inc.OneCommunityCom Net, Inc.
Zito Media Communications II, LLC Northeastern Ohio and Northwestern Pennsylvania Fiber Ring Project
Oklahoma Office of State Finance
Pine Telephone Company, Inc. Broadband Grant for Isolated Southeastern Oklahoma/Choctaw Nation - Rural/ Non-Remote Areas
Lane Council of Governments Oregon South Central Regional Fiber Consortium Lighting the Fiber Middle Mile Project
County of Clackamas
Bend Cable Communications, LLC (BendBroadband)
Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research
Executive Office of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of OconeeSouth Dakota Network, LLCDeltaCom, Inc.OnWavLevel 3 EON, LLCPeoples Telephone CooperativeValley Telephone CooperativeRegion 18 Education Service CenterTexas A&M University SystemLevel 3 EON, LLCUTOPIAUniversity of Utah
Ute Indian Tribe Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation Fiber Optic Infrastructure Project
Vermont Telecommunications Authority
Vermont Telephone Company New Hampshire, New York
Bristol Virginia Utilities BoardBuggs Island Telephone Cooperative
Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative – Southern Virginia
Mid-Atlantic Broadband CooperativeCitizens Telephone Co-OperativeCounty of Rockbridge
Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. Allegheny Fiber: Extending Virginia’s Open Access Fiber Backbone to the Ridge and Valley
Nelson County of VirginiaPage County Broadband AuthorityNorthwest Open Access Network (NoaNet)Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet)Public Utility District of Pend Oreille CountyExecutive Office of the State of West VirginiaHardy Telecommunications, Inc.
University of Wisconsin - Extension Service UWEX Building Community Capacity through Sustainable Broadband Adoption
State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Wisconsin’s Education and Library Broadband Infrastructure Buildout
The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Silver Star Telephone Company, Inc.(1)Silver Star Telephone Company(2)
Primary State Recipient Project Project Award Other States Partner or $Amount Shared
$ 3,399,821,903
BTOP Grant by $Total by State Population
State ST 2013 Population
$62,540,162 316,128,839 $ 0.198
Alabama AL $112,882,940 4,833,722 $ 23.55 12Alaska AK $0 735,132 $ 0.20 50Arizona AZ $71,464,944 6,626,624 $ 10.98 30Arkansas AR $102,131,393 2,959,373 $ 34.71 4California CA $350,064,330 38,332,521 $ 9.33 35Colorado CO $112,772,612 5,268,367 $ 21.60 14Connecticu CT $93,855,029 3,596,080 $ 26.30 8Delaware DE $0 925,749 $ 0.20 51District Of DC $17,457,764 646,449 $ 27.20 7Florida FL $55,902,591 19,552,860 $ 3.06 43Georgia GA $48,400,851 9,992,167 $ 5.04 41Hawaii HI $33,972,800 1,404,054 $ 24.39 10Idaho ID $8,169,716 1,612,136 $ 5.27 40Illinois IL $173,923,501 12,882,135 $ 13.70 22Indiana IN $39,397,487 6,570,902 $ 6.19 38Iowa IA $33,945,037 3,090,416 $ 11.18 28Kansas KS $998,419 2,893,957 $ 0.54 48Kentucky KY $535,308 4,395,295 $ 0.32 49Louisiana LA $89,759,799 4,625,470 $ 19.60 17Maine ME $25,402,904 1,328,302 $ 19.32 18Maryland MD $115,240,581 5,928,814 $ 19.64 16Massachuse MA $77,517,537 6,692,824 $ 11.78 26Michigan MI $108,574,985 9,895,622 $ 11.17 29Minnesota MN $36,200,630 5,420,380 $ 6.88 36Mississippi MS $102,364,489 2,991,207 $ 34.42 5Missouri MO $71,745,250 6,044,171 $ 12.07 25Montana MT $13,796,640 1,015,165 $ 13.79 21Nebraska NE $11,547,866 1,868,516 $ 6.38 37Nevada NV $26,713,723 2,790,136 $ 9.77 34New Hamps NH $44,480,992 1,323,459 $ 33.81 6
BTOP Infrastructure Grant Total $
State $ per
person + Ucan
State Ranking
BTOP $ per Person
UCAN Project
All 50 States
State ST 2013 PopulationBTOP Infrastructure Grant Total $
State $ per
person + Ucan
State Ranking
BTOP $ per Person
New Jersey NJ $39,638,152 8,899,339 $ 4.65 42New Mexic NM $76,978,670 2,085,287 $ 37.11 3New York NY $38,938,988 19,651,127 $ 2.18 47North Caro NC $120,685,297 9,848,060 $ 12.45 24North Dako ND $10,781,157 723,393 $ 15.10 20Ohio OH $147,437,046 11,570,808 $ 12.94 23Oklahoma OK $83,470,346 3,850,568 $ 21.88 13Oregon OR $20,548,476 3,930,065 $ 5.43 39Pennsylvan PA $128,444,692 12,773,801 $ 10.25 33Rhode Isla RI $21,739,183 1,051,511 $ 20.87 15South Caro SC $9,604,840 4,774,839 $ 2.21 46South Dako SD $20,572,242 844,877 $ 24.55 9Tennessee TN $15,865,636 6,495,978 $ 2.64 45Texas TX $67,698,503 26,448,193 $ 2.76 44Utah UT $31,048,683 2,900,872 $ 10.90 31Vermont VT $45,649,894 626,630 $ 73.05 1Virginia VA $92,995,941 8,260,405 $ 11.46 27Washingto WA $166,058,182 6,971,406 $ 24.02 11West Virgin WV $129,525,056 1,854,304 $ 70.05 2Wisconsin WI $57,969,654 5,742,713 $ 10.29 32Wyoming WY $10,671,802 582,658 $ 18.51 19
$3,378,082,720 316,128,839 $10.69
STATE BY STATE - Governor's 2014 State of State Speech citing improved Broadband Availability or Adoption as a Major goal
Governor's Name Context or Program Name Number of Dollar$
Alabama Robert Bentley R N
Alaska Sean Parnell R Y Y Not Mentioned Y
Arizona Janet Brewer R N NArkansas Mike Beebe D NA No Speech GivenCalifornia Jerry Brown D N
Colorado John Hickenlooper D Y Y Substantial Y
Connecticut Daniel Malloy D NDelaware Jack Markell D NDistrict Of Columbia N/A D Not a StateFlorida Rick Scott R N
Georgia Nathan Deal R Y Y $44.8M
Hawaii Neil Abercrombie D N
Idaho C.L Butch Otter R Y Y $34.7M
Illinois Patrick Quinn D NIndiana Mike Pence R N
Iowa Terry Brandstad R Y Y Substantial Y
Kansas Sam Brownback R N
Kentucky Steve Beshear D Y Y ?
Louisiana Bobby Jindal R NMaine Paul Lapage R NMaryland Martin O'Malley D N
Massachusetts Deval Patrick D Y Y
Michigan Rick Snyder R NMinnesota Mark Dayton D N No Speech Given Yet - Delayed by Hip SurgeryMississippi Phil Bryant R NMissouri Jay Nixon D NMontana Steve Bullock D NA No Speech GivenNebraska Dave Heineman R NNevada Brian Sandoval R NA No Speech GivenNew Hampshire Maggie Hassan D Y Y Continue "Network New Hampshire Now" None NoNew Jersey Chris Christie R NNew Mexico Susana Martinez R NNew York Mario Cuomo D Y Y Education Need for all schools -21st Century $2 Billion Y
AS of March 2014 50 STATES (and DC)
Political Party R / D
Mention of "Broadband",
"Internet", "Digital Econ",
etc. (Y or N)
New Action
Legislative Action
Requested
Alaska Digital Teaching Initiative as part of new programs for 21st Century Learning
Legislsation to bring parity to Rural CO access to Internet. Better Internet for State Govt. Need to reform Telecom Laws in Colorado
Connect classrooms ..., including those in rural areas, to the internet and digital resources - Digital Learning Task Force
Idaho Digital Learning Academy, Idaho Ed Net to all schools by 2015
Connect Every Iowan Act, Need for Gigabit Connection like Cedar Falls, repurpose Iowa Communications Network to become PPO to connect rural Iowa
High Speed Broadband Access, as part of SOAR, in East Central Kentucky
As part of Infrastructure expansion - Innovative Technology Clusters require Broadband Expansion. Need last mile expansion to unserved and Rural areas
North Carolina Pat McCrory R NA No Speech GivenNorth Dakota Jack Dalrymple R NA No Speech GivenOhio John Kasich R NOklahoma Mary Fallin R NOregon John Kitzhaber D NA Not Yet Given. No Mention in 2013 Speech
Pennsylvania John Corbett R N
Rhode Island Lincoln Chaffee D N Mentions Infrastructure but not specific program or type
South Carolina Nikki Haley R NSouth Dakota Dennis Daugaard R NTennessee Bill Haslam R NTexas Rick Perry R NA No Speech GivenUtah Gary Herbert R NVermont Peter Shumlin D NVirginia Terry Mcauliffe D NWashington Jay Inslee D N
West Virginia Earl Ray D Y N
Wisconsin Scott Walker R N
Wyoming Matt Mead R N N None N
Only a passing reference to a 21st Century education for all students.
Mentioned "Broadband" in passing as part of Infrastructure list to be concerned about
None in 2014. Reported in 2013 -700% Increase in connection speeds in Schools
Alabama Broadband Initiative
ConnectingAlabama
Alaska Broadband Task Force
Digital Arizona Council
Arkansas Broadband Advisory Council
State Government Level Broadband Inititiatives & Policy Activities Prior to or as part of SBDD (thru 2011)
All 50 State Governments have created either a task force, commission, or broadband projects. Some states have created programs to identify underserved and unserved areas through online public mapping websites, while others have established task forces or commissions to provide input on the development of a statewide broadband framework and promote public-private sector participation. At least 14 states have enacted these initiatives and authorities through legislation.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
In May 2008, Governor Bob Riley signed Executive Order #42 creating the Alabama Broadband Initiative (ALBI). This effort was launched to extend the benefits of advanced broadband technology to every community in the state through collaborative partnerships with governmental and private sector stakeholders. The scope of this project includes broadband research, mapping, deployment and adoption across all 67 counties of the state. ALBI will contract with an organization to implement a statewide deployment strategy and adoption effort to ensure ubiquitous access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet service. The effort will also improve technology literacy, increase computer ownership and use among residents and businesses, establish local grassroots technology teams to improve technology use across multiple community sectors, and create an environment that fosters broadband access and technology investment.
ConnectingALABAMA is a statewide-initiative launched in 2008 under the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to promote the deployment and adoption of broadband internet access across Alabama as part of the Alabama Broadband Initiative. The goal of the project is to provide mapping of where broadband service is available, as well as to work with state leaders to develop a strategy for broadband deployment in Alabama. The ConnectingALABAMA team is also working with State and Regional Broadband Action Teams to determine barriers to deployment and adoption.
On February 23, 2011, the Alaska Broadband Task Force was formed to work with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) on a plan to provide every citizen of Alaska with 100 mbps broadband connectivity by 2020. The Task Force is supported by Connect Alaska, which provides research and benchmarking activities on broadband needs, usage, and barriers in local communities and also measures the impact of broadband implementation over time. The Alaska Broadband Task Force uses the research from Connect Alaska to determine how to fund innovative e-government and web 2.0 applications via a sub-grant process that will make government services and data more readily available to Alaska's communities.
The Digital Arizona Council was created in 2011 as part of the Arizona Strategic Enterprise Technology division of the Arizona Department of Administration’s Digital Arizona Project. The purpose of the Council is to provide governance, advice, and balanced representation for Arizona’s diverse broadband stakeholders.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
California Broadband Council
Colorado Broadband Data and Development Program
Connecticut Broadband Mapping Program
Delaware Broadband Mapping Project
On March 28, 2007, Governor Beebe signed Act 604 into law creating the Arkansas Broadband Advisory Council (re-named the Arkansas Broadband Council by Act 947 of 2009) and encouraging the non-profit Arkansas Capital Corporation to create a non-profit Connect Arkansas. While Connect Arkansas’s initiatives are focused on broadband education and facilitation, the Arkansas Broadband Council advises the Governor and the General Assembly on policies related to making affordable broadband available to every Arkansas home and business. The council also monitors the broadband based development efforts of other states and nations in areas such as business, education, and health. The expiration date of the council was removed by an amendment under 2011 H.B 1312.
The California Broadband Council was created by 2010 SB 1462 (Cal. Gov. Code § 8885) to promote broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas of the state, and broadband adoption throughout California. The council is charged with reviewing implementation of the 2008 Broadband Task Force Report recommendations and improving coordination among state agencies. The council assists applicants in becoming more competitive for federal funds made available through the National Broadband Plan, building on the $420 million in broadband infrastructure grants from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the $57 million in California Advanced Services Fund grants already awarded in the state.
The Colorado Broadband Data and Development Program was created under the Governor’s Office of Information Technology in 2010 through a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the purpose of broadband mapping and planning. The grant provides approximately $1.6 million over two years to continue Colorado's assessment of broadband deployment across the state and its development of a comprehensive and verified geographically-based inventory and database of broadband availability. The grant provides approximately $500,000 over five years for the Colorado Broadband Data and Development Program (CBDDP) to engage in planning and outreach activities with local groups to promote broadband adoption and enhance broadband market information. The CBDDP gathers data wire line, wireless, mobile, and middle mile broadband data directly from broadband services providers across the state to create the Colorado Broadband Map.
The State of Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA), with funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (SBDD), created the Connecticut Broadband Mapping Program in 2010. The Connecticut Broadband Mapping Program aids the PURA in determining broadband availability and services and identifying infrastructure need for the requirements of the Broadband Data and Development grant program. The data collected by the state is updated through the input and cooperation from broadband providers, municipalities, and community anchor institutions. The state’s principal geo-data development consultant, Applied Geographics, Inc., is working closely with the PURA, the Department of Information Technology, other state agencies, municipalities, and community anchor institutions to meet the data collection standards and reporting requirements of the NTIA and the award.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
Broadband Florida Initiative
Georgia Broadband Mapping Program
Hawaii Broadband Initiative
Hawaii Broadband Map Initiative
LinkIdaho
The Delaware Broadband Mapping Project was initiated in 2010 by the Department of Technology and Information. The project’s work includes data collection, the development of a statewide broadband availability map, transmission of that data to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the development of its national broadband map, and the long-term maintenance of this data by the state. To date, DTI, working with selected vendors, has provided NTIA with two data sets that include broadband providers and community anchor institutions (K-12 schools, universities, libraries, etc.) in Delaware. DTI has also created an interactive map for citizen use to identify broadband coverage based on citizen-entered parameters.
2009 SB 2626 (Fla. Stat.§364.0135) authorizes the Florida Department of Management Services to apply for grants and lead broadband planning and development efforts in Florida. The Department used the funds from federal grants to establish the Broadband Florida Initiative. The initiative leads collaborative efforts in broadband capacity building across local, regional, and state public and private institutions. The Broadband Florida Initiative includes a grant development team and an E-rate program team. The E-rate team provides direct support to eligible community anchor institutions so that Florida can best leverage available funding opportunities. The initiative also created the now defunct Florida Broadband Joint Work Group , which produced the Florida’s Broadband Strategy White Paper in June 2009. The Broadband Florida Initiative also created the Florida Broadband Mapping Project. The Florida Broadband Mapping project is mapping landline and wireless services using information from providers and other sources. The collected and verified broadband mapping information will support the broadband development objectives identified in Fla. Stat. §364.0135.
In 2009, the Georgia Technology Authority received a $5.2 million grant from the US Commerce Department for the statewide Georgia Broadband Mapping Program. The goal of the program is to partner with Georgia telecommunications carriers to collect broadband data on coverage and speeds across technology types to assess unserved and underserved areas. The program creates maps, analysis, and tabular data twice a year, including the Georgia Broadband Map.
Following the sunset date of the Hawaii Broadband Task Force, an executive memorandum by the governor in August 2011 created the Hawaii Broadband Initiative. The memorandum directs the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to lead the Hawaii Broadband Initiative in providing all of Hawaii’s citizens with access to ultra-high-speed gigabit broadband services at affordable prices by 2018.
In 2010, Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) was awarded a grant to assist the state in gathering and verifying data on the availability, speed, location, and type of technology broadband services through the Hawaii Broadband Map Initiative. The data collected and compiled under the initiative is used to develop the publicly available statewide Hawaii Broadband Map. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2010 and 2014, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community. To facilitate the Hawaii Broadband Map Initiative, DCAA has teamed with University of Hawaii’s Pacific Disaster Center.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
LinkIDAHO Broadband Advisory Team
Illinois Broadband Deployment Council
Indiana Broadband Mapping Program
Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board
Connect Iowa
Connect Kansas
LinkIDAHO is a statewide project launched by the governor and funded through a federal grant. The project team is accountable to the governor’s office and the offices of the Idaho CIO and GIO. The project is designed to address Idaho’s broadband priorities and related federal data submission requirements regarding the development of a national broadband map.
The LinkIDAHO Broadband Advisory Team (LBAT) is convened under the Idaho Rural Partnership and the LinkIDAHO project. The LBAT interacts with policy makers and informs them about broadband needs and benefits in Idaho, providing input on the statewide broadband framework. The LBAT also develops and suggests strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to improve broadband availability and use in Idaho.
The Illinois Broadband Deployment Council, established by Executive Order No. 9 in 2005, exists to improve access to broadband networks for public, private and not-for-profit organizations all across the state. The council assists in Illinois broadband policy formation and serves as an information clearinghouse on broadband funding and projects in Illinois.
The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) created the Indiana Broadband Mapping Program with grants from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in 2009. The Program is a multi-year, multi-agency effort to map areas in the state currently served by broadband providers. The results will be integrated into both the Indiana Broadband Map and a national broadband availability map, and will provide a foundation for future broadband deployment efforts at the state and national level.
2009 S.F. 376 provided an appropriation of $25 million to the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ITTC), in conjunction with Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED), and Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), to establish the Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board. The Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board’s promotes the deployment and sustainability of high-speed broadband access in the state. The board consists of eleven voting members representing educational users; urban and residential users; cable, wireline, and wireless providers; the Iowa Utilities Board, Economic Development Board, and Telecommunications and Technology Commission; and four non-voting members representing the Iowa House and Senate. The Governance Board's duties include establishing a comprehensive plan for the deployment and sustainability of high-speed broadband service for Iowa. The board is currently on hiatus and all board member terms are set to expire in July 2012.
Connect Iowa has been instituted as a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a non-profit. Connect Iowa was commissioned by the Iowa Utilities Board to work with all broadband providers to create an Iowa Broadband Map in order to accurately pinpoint remaining gaps in broadband availability in Iowa. The map project will support the activities of the Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board, which includes developing a statewide plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband in the state.
Connect Kansas was commissioned by the Kansas Department of Commerce to work with all broadband providers in Kansas to create detailed maps of broadband coverage to accurately pinpoint remaining gaps in broadband availability in Kansas. Connect Kansas will continue to develop and update broadband data as it is collected and to identify the services that can be made available to public and private entities as well as citizens.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or AuthoritiesConnectKentucky
Louisiana Broadband Advisory Council
Maine ConnectMe Authority
Maryland Rural Broadband Coordination Board
Massachusetts Broadband Institute
ConnectMichigan
ConnectKentucky, Kentucky's technology-based economic development partnership, is an alliance of technology-minded businesses, government entities, and universities working together to accelerate technology in the Commonwealth. ConnectKentucky supports statewide broadband infrastructure expansion, technology planning, and public policy.
The Louisiana Broadband Advisory Council was created by 2004 H.B. 1265 (La. R.S. §51:955.3). The Louisiana Broadband Advisory Council was created to help guide state leaders toward the ultimate goal of providing broadband access to all of Louisiana's citizens as outlined by the National Broadband Plan. The council consists of twenty-four members, including six ex-officio members, one member appointed by the president of the Senate, one member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, and sixteen members appointed by the governor. The council manages broadband research and coordinates statewide broadband activities for the state.
The Maine ConnectME Authority (35 M.R.S. §9201) was created by the legislature with the goal of expanding broadband access in the most rural, unserved areas of the state that have little prospect of service from a traditional provider. The authority’s purpose is to identify unserved areas of the state; develop proposals for broadband expansion projects, demonstration projects and other initiatives; and administer the process for selecting specific broadband projects and providing funding, resources, and incentives. The authority is funded by a 0.25 percent surcharge on instate retail communications services and funds proposals through grants, direct investments, or loans made on behalf of, in partnership with, or in support of, one or more communications service providers.
The Maryland Rural Broadband Coordination Board was established in July 2006 by S.B. 753. The board reviews and approves the disbursement of funds from the Rural Broadband Assistance Fund, and through cooperation with other public, private, and nonprofit entities, obtains further resources for establishing broadband communication services in rural and underserved areas in Maryland. The board consists of nine members, including the Secretary of Business and Economic Development; the Secretary of Transportation; a representative from the Department of Information Technology; the chair of the Rural Maryland Council; and the chair or designee from five regional councils. The board is staffed by the Rural Maryland Council. Authorization for the board extends through June 30, 2020; however the board ceased meeting in 2010. The board issued a final report in August 2010.
2008 H.B. 4864 (ALM GL ch. 40J, § 6B) established the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) as a new division within the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The act gives the MBI the authority to invest up to $40 million of state bond funds in necessary and long-lived infrastructure assets, such as conduits, fiber-optic cable and wireless towers. As the state entity for broadband mapping and availability, the MBI is collecting, verifying and mapping detailed information about the current levels of broadband availability in Massachusetts to create the Massachusetts Broadband Map. The MBI is also developing broadband adoption programs for veterans and small businesses.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
Michigan Collaborative Broadband Committee
Minnesota High-Speed Broadband Task Force
Mississippi Broadband Task Force
Mississippi Broadband Connect Coalition
Missouri Broadband Now Initiative (MoBroadbandNow)
Connect Michigan is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a non-profit in Michigan. Connect Michigan partnered with the Michigan Public Service Commission to engage in a comprehensive broadband planning and technology initiative as part of the national effort to map and expand broadband. The program began by gathering provider data to form statewide broadband maps and performing statewide business and residential technology assessments, but has since progressed to working with localities on community plans through the Michigan Collaborative Broadband Committee.
The Michigan Collaborative Broadband Committee is a statewide task force formed under the Connect Michigan partnership that works closely with the Michigan Public Service Commission and public-private stakeholders. The Collaborative Broadband Committee has representatives from K-12 education, higher education, broadband service providers, non-profits, tourism, business, agriculture, government, and other organizations that have an interest in improving Michigan's broadband availability and meaningful adoption. The committee's overall mission includes strategic planning, and the historical leadership of the PSC ensures its long-term impact.
Minnesota created the High Speed Task Force when the legislature passed 2008 S.F. 1918. The task force is responsible for making recommendations to the governor and legislature regarding the creation of a statewide high-speed internet access goal, and creating a plan for implementation by 2015. The Minnesota Ultra High-Speed Task Force acts in an advisory capacity to identify the level of broadband service needed and to determine appropriate goals regarding technical and financial aspects of statewide broadband Internet access. 2010 H.F. 2907, Chapter 277 set state goals, including those of the task force, for broadband deployment and speed. Goals include, for example, that by 2015, the state be in the top five states of the U. S. for broadband speed universally accessible to residents and businesses, the top five states for broadband access, and the top 15 when compared to countries globally for broadband penetration.
The Mississippi Broadband Task Force (MBTF) was created by Governor Haley Barbour in April 2009. The task force was charged with overseeing the state’s broadband technology strategy for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as “the stimulus package.” Stimulus broadband funding has been made available through the State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) program and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). Beginning in 2009, the Mississippi Broadband Task Force (MBTF), in conjunction with BroadMap, reached out to providers supplying broadband service available in Mississippi. Following the initial outreach, the team worked collaboratively with the providers to standardize the information compiled and created a geographic representation of their coverage via the Mississippi Broadband Mapping Initiative.
In September 2010, Mississippi received funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to develop the Mississippi Broadband Connect Coalition (MBCC). MBCC is a non-profit group focused on producing a comprehensive statewide strategy for improving digital literacy, increasing access to broadband, and enabling greater adoption of broadband in the state. The MBCC consists of eight committees. These groups met throughout 2011 to create targeted recommendations for their areas of study. The recommendations were included in the 2011 report titled “Mapping Mississippi’s Digital Future.”
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
Montana Broadband Program
Nebraska Broadband Initiative
Nevada Broadband Taskforce
New Hampshire Broadband Mapping and Planning Program
MoBroadbandNow, a private-public partnership, was launched in 2009 under the Transform Missouri Initiative established through Executive Order 09-12. The MoBroadbandNow Initiative is a five-year project to expand broadband accessibility from 79.7 percent to 91.5 percent of the total population with federal funds, under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). In pursuing these objectives, the initiative has established regional teams to develop grassroots-level strategic broadband plans and holds an annual broadband summit. The initiative also collects broadband data to produce semi-annual interactive mapping information and reports on the status of other broadband infrastructure projects.
The Montana Broadband Program is funded through the State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) program that is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This project, working in collaboration with the Montana Department of Administration, was originally funded for broadband planning activities and two years of data collection. In September of 2010, this project was amended to extend data collection activities for an additional three years and to identify and implement best practices. Using the data collected, the information is compiled into the Montana Broadband Map. The Montana Broadband Program is currently developing a broadband advisory council.
The Nebraska Broadband Initiative, funded through a grant to the Nebraska Public Service Commission by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, was created to increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. Under the Nebraska Broadband Initiative, the Broadband Planning Oversight Team meets quarterly with the entire Public Service Commission team and provides an official report to the Public Service Commissioners at regularly scheduled meetings. One major project of the initiative has been the Nebraska State Broadband Map. The collected and verified broadband mapping information will be used to support future broadband development objectives.
On July 15, 2009, the Nevada Broadband Task Force was created by executive order (amended by executive order 2011-22). The Nevada Broadband Task Force consists of eleven members appointed by the governor. The governor also appoints one member as chairman. The mission of the task force is to identify and remove barriers to broadband access and identify opportunities for increased broadband applications and adoption in unserved and underserved areas of Nevada. The task force also oversees all necessary duties and responsibilities to reach the goal to expand broadband technology including the application of federal funding/grants, grant compliance, mapping and data management. The task force is set to expire July 1, 2015.
The New Hampshire Broadband Mapping and Planning Program (NHBMPP) is a comprehensive program that seeks to understand where broadband is currently available in New Hampshire, how it can be made more widely available in the future, and how to encourage increased levels of broadband adoption and usage. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the NHBMPP comprises two main components: a broadband availability inventory and mapping effort, and a suite of planning and technical assistance initiatives. Technical assistance initiatives include establishing broadband stakeholder groups that will focus on collecting and analyzing relevant information, identifying barriers to broadband deployment, promoting collaboration with service providers, and facilitating information sharing.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or AuthoritiesNew Jersey Broadband Mapping Program
New Mexico Broadband Executive Committee
New York Broadband Development and Deployment Council
NC Broadband
North Dakota Broadband Mapping Program
Connect Ohio
Oklahoma Broadband Initiative
Using funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (Broadband Mapping Program), the New Jersey Office of Information Technology (OIT) created the New Jersey Broadband Mapping Program in 2010. Under the program, OIT works with facilities-based providers of broadband services, as well as local government organizations and community anchor institutions, to collect, validate, verify and deliver certain data on broadband services available to end user locations in the state through the creation of the New Jersey Broadband Map.
The New Mexico Broadband Executive Committee is a statewide collaborative committee formed under the Department of Information Technology’s New Mexico Broadband Program. These groups form a core component to a number of conferences and focus forums to identify gaps, clarify issues, and provide action items toward solutions (legislation, funding, construction, regulation, etc.). All of these efforts are incorporated into the New Mexico Broadband Strategic Master Plan.
The New York Broadband Development and Deployment Council was established in 2009 by Executive Order 22 and provides strategic oversight for the New York State Universal Broadband Initiative. Thirteen members are appointed to serve on the council, which is charged to provide strategic direction to ensure all New Yorkers have access to high-speed Internet networks. The council coordinates state and federally funded broadband projects to stimulate broadband development, close the digital divide, and increase digital literacy levels in underserved and unserved urban and rural communities.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce created the NC Broadband Division in 2011 after the e-NC Authority transferred its ARRA federal funds and authority to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The broadband division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce is a new initiative dedicated to encouraging the adoption and use of broadband Internet, identifying unserved and underserved areas and working to promote greater broadband availability across the state.
North Dakota received an initial grant in 2009 of approximately $1.3 million to map broadband services under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program to fund the North Information Technology Department’s North Dakota Broadband Mapping Program. The program serves as a state broadband program office to oversee the data collection for the North Dakota Broadband Map and technical assistance projects. It also coordinates broadband planning activities across the state.
Governor Ted Strickland on Dec. 17, 2007 launched Connect Ohio, a public-private partnership that seeks to expand broadband services across the state by working with local communities and providers to map gaps in access. Connect Ohio’s three-year strategy involves a partnership between the state and broadband providers to create detailed maps of broadband coverage in order to accurately pinpoint remaining gaps in broadband availability in Ohio. Connect Ohio will also work to establish public-private partnerships that will assist in supplying computers to areas that have broadband service but lack computer access.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
Oregon Broadband Advisory Council
Pennsylvania Broadband Map
Broadband Rhode Island Initiative
Connect South Carolina
South Dakota Broadband Advisory Team
Oklahoma was awarded a grant in January 2010 under the State Broadband Data Development (SBDD) program to fund the Oklahoma Broadband Initiative. The first phase of the initiative is the Oklahoma Broadband Mapping Project, which includes the collection of the necessary data to identify broadband assets, gaps in broadband services, and opportunities for expansion of broadband services. This data has been consolidated into the Oklahoma Broadband Map and depicts what areas of the state are served, underserved and unserved by broadband. The second phase of this initiative is the Oklahoma Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant application to build the Oklahoma Community Anchor Network (OCAN), a 1,005 mile middle-mile infrastructure that will connect 32 anchor institutions in underserved or unserved areas of the state.
The Oregon Broadband Advisory Council was created by 2009 H.B. 3158. The council’s mission is to develop and ensure the implementation of a statewide broadband network with a focus on extending broadband access to unserved and underserved communities across Oregon. The council aims to ensure that Oregon citizens can take full advantage of the commerce, education, and health and safety benefits provided by broadband Internet access. The council also will encourage public-private partnerships to promote the deployment of broadband and will report to the legislature on the affordability and accessibility of broadband technology in all areas of Oregon.
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Community Economic Development (DCED) and its contractor Michael Baker Jr., Inc., with funds from the federal State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) Program, began the development of the Pennsylvania Broadband Map. The project is aimed at encouraging adoption by certain constituencies and more vulnerable communities through implementation of the state broadband plan, regional working groups, measurement of broadband utilization, identification of barriers to adoption, and awareness and outreach efforts, including hosting of a state broadband summit.
Broadband Rhode Island (BBRI) is an initiative of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation that works to create new opportunities by expanding broadband use and digital literacy across Rhode Island. One of BBRI's purposes is to map and verify broadband throughout Rhode Island. BBRI is funded through December 2014 by the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. BBRI’s programs address public awareness and education about broadband and study and develop plans to increase broadband adoption and usage. The first BBRI white paper, "Broadband Policy for Rhode Island, Achieving Competitive Advantage in the Internet Age," published in January 2012, calls for the creation of a Governor’s Broadband Policy Advisory Board.
Connect South Carolina is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a non-profit in the state of South Carolina. Connect South Carolina was commissioned by the Office of the Governor to work with each of the state's broadband providers to create detailed maps of broadband coverage and to assess the current state of broadband adoption across the state. Connect South Carolina's efforts are funded by the U. S. Department of Commerce's State Broadband Initiative (SBI) Grant Program through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Connect South Carolina works under the direction of the Governor's Office, and previously in coordination with the South Carolina Broadband Advisory Committee.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
Tennessee Broadband Task Force
Connected Tennessee
Connected Texas
Texas Broadband Task Force
Utah Broadband Advisory Council
Vermont Telecommunications Authority
The South Dakota Broadband Advisory Team is made up of a cross section of education and medical groups and telecommunication businesses, as well as other business leaders throughout the state. The group assists the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT) staff in coordinating outreach projects, including broadband technology events and meetings with stakeholders across government, private industry, and the general public.
The Tennessee Broadband Task Force was created by 2005 H.B. 2152 (Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-52-408). In its initial recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly, the task force cited the model established by Connected Nation in Kentucky and encouraged the initiation of similar efforts in Tennessee. The Task Force is still in existence through statute, but has not been active since 2009.
In 2007, Connected Tennessee was established as an independent non-profit organization after the recommendation of the Tennessee Broadband Task Force. Connected Tennessee aims to accelerate the availability and use of technology towards creating a better business environment, more effective community and economic development, improved healthcare, enhanced education, and more efficient government. Under the Connected Tennessee Initiative, the state establisheda Steering Committee comprised of public and private partners representing all sectors from across the state to provide an environment for interactions that support and generate statewide and regional economic development and measures that benefit the public.
Connected Texas is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a non-profit. Connected Texas was commissioned by the Texas Department of Agriculture to work with all broadband providers in the state to create detailed maps of broadband coverage in order to accurately pinpoint remaining gaps in broadband availability in Texas. Connected Texas will work with Texas Councils of Governments (COGs) and establish approximately 29 planning teams at a regional or local level. Both planning teams and the Texas Broadband Task Force will participate in annual statewide strategic planning meetings to share best practices and identify and resolve any new barriers or challenges.
The Texas Department of Agriculture created the Texas Broadband Task Force in 2009 to guide efforts to make broadband services available across the state. The Texas Broadband Task Force assists the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Public Utilities Commission in maximizing broadband programs created through the Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Utah Broadband Advisory Council was formed in June 2011, and meets monthly to examine the condition of broadband adoption and deployment in the state. The council will provide the governor and legislature with recommendations and policy guidance. Members of the council represent a diverse group of interests including legislators, state and local government, healthcare, education, libraries, and public safety, economic development, and tribal entities.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
Virginia Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance
Virginia Broadband Advisory Council
Washington State Broadband Office
West Virginia Broadband Deployment Council
LinkWisconsin
The Vermont Legislature enacted 2007 H.B. 248, Act 79, creating the Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA), charging it to ensure that high-speed Internet and cell phone service is available in every corner of Vermont by the end of 2010. The VTA was charged with the following powers and duties: to issue revenue bonds up to $40 million to fund broadband and wireless telecommunications projects; gather data on wireless and broadband infrastructure and services; provide financial assistance in the form of loans, grants, guarantees and other financial instruments to fill in gaps in wireless and broadband coverage; incorporate one or more non-profits to take advantage of grants and other financing available only to non-profits; own, lease, and contract for telecommunications facilities and services for unserved areas; provide assistance to municipalities to deploy infrastructure and attract services; and waive fees required for access to state-owned transportation rights of way for broadband and wireless telecommunications providers in exchange for comparable value to the state.
In 2006, Governor Kaine signed Executive Order 35 creating the Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance. The duties of the office include promoting and encouraging use of telework alternatives for public and private employees, including appropriate policy and legislative initiatives, and supporting the efforts of both public and private entities within the commonwealth to enhance or facilitate the deployment of, and access to, competitively priced, advanced broadband services.
The Virginia Broadband Advisory Council was created by 2009 S.B. 1336 (codified in Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-2699.3) and expires July 1, 2018. The Broadband Advisory Council was established to help determine the Commonwealth's goals for broadband and how best to achieve them. It is comprised of eleven members: four legislators, two ex-officio members, five citizen members, the Secretary of Technology, and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade.
In 2009, the Washington Department of Information Services (DIS) created the Washington State Broadband Office through supplemental grants to increase Washington’s existing broadband program capabilities for a total of five years. In the third through fifth years of the grant, $250,000 will be used annually to develop and support local technology planning teams. Semiannual data collection and updates to the broadband map will continue. The total funding for the program from American Reinvestment and Recovery Act Broadband stimulus funds is $7.3 million, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The West Virginia Broadband Deployment Council was created by 2008 H.B 4637 (W. Va. Code § 31-15C-3). The purpose and function of the Broadband Deployment Council is to administer and oversee broadband deployment in the state, especially in regard to bringing broadband service to unserved or underserved areas. As part of this function, the council provides consultation services to project sponsors for the planning, acquisition, improvement, construction or development of any broadband deployment project. In doing so, the council is authorized to make and execute contracts, commitments and other agreements, including the hiring of consultants, to assist in the mapping of the state, categorization of areas within the state, and evaluation of project applications. In support of this mission, the West Virginia Legislature has appropriated $5 million dollars per year for the next three years toward the administration and oversight of broadband deployment. Under W. Va. Code §31-15C-14, the council is set to expire on December 31, 2014.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
Wisconsin Steering Committee
Wyoming Broadband Planning Advisory Committee
LinkWYOMING Initiative
Arizona Broadband Advisory Committee
California Broadband Task Force
LinkWISCONSIN is a statewide initiative to promote the availability and sustainable adoption of broadband Internet access.The first phase of the project includes development of a comprehensive broadband coverage map and the identification of strategies for broadband expansion and adoption – particularly in historically unserved or underserved areas. In November, 2009 the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded a grant under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) State Broadband Data Development Program (SBDDP) to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). Through an RFP process, the PSC selected the LinkAmerica Alliance, a consortium of mapping and planning service providers, and the project’s primary contractor. The grant is funding the state’s efforts to comply with federal requirements relative to the submission of data in support of the NTIA’s national broadband map and to develop Wisconsin broadband service maps and regional broadband plans.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has formed a steering committee under the LinkWisconsin initiative to guide the development of a statewide broadband plan. Members of the steering committee were selected to be representative of each of nine Regional Planning Teams. The purpose of the plan is to define specific actionable initiatives that, if implemented, will improve broadband availability, adoption and application throughout the state. The steering committee held its first meeting on March 12, 2012.
The Wyoming Broadband Planning Advisory Committee (WBPAC) was formed under the LinkWYOMING Initiative. WBPAC’s mission is to provide oversight, input, sponsorship and policy‐level support in the advancement of broadband across the state that will benefit all citizens of Wyoming. Its work is dedicated to the development and execution of well-designed, high quality and high‐impact efforts designed to advance access, adoption and application of broadband necessary in the economic development, quality of life and standard of living. WBPAC works closely with the office of the governor and the Department of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS). Members of the WBPAC are appointed by the governor and/or the governor’s representatives in ETS.
LinkWYOMING is a statewide initiative to promote the availability and sustainable adoption of broadband Internet access. The first phase of the project includes development of a comprehensive broadband coverage map and the identification of strategies for broadband expansion and adoption – particularly in historically unserved or underserved areas. LinkWYOMING is a statewide project launched by the Office of the CIO and funded through a federal grant. The project team is accountable to the Wyoming Office of the CIO. The project is designed to address Wyoming‘s broadband priorities and related federal data submission requirements regarding the development of a national broadband map.
Previous/Inactive (Before 2009) Broadband Task Forces,Commissions, or Authorities
The Arizona Broadband Advisory Committee (ABAC) was formed in 2009 to provide expertise and advice to the governor's office on broadband grant applications. ABAC consisted of a representative from ten different state agencies with the Government Information Technology Agency (now Arizona Strategic Enterprise Technology, a division of Arizona Department of Administration), serving as the lead agency.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
Connecticut Broadband Internet Coordinating Council
Hawaii Broadband Task Force
Indiana Broadband Development Program
Maine Broadband Strategy Council
Maryland Task Force for the Deployment of Broadband in Rural Maryland
Governor Schwarzenegger in November 2006 signed an executive order to create a the California Broadband Task Force that brought experts from government and business to work together to identify and eliminate obstacles to making broadband Internet access ubiquitous in the state. Within the Broadband Task Force were six working groups: Build-Out, Economic Development, Education, Emerging Technologies and New Applications, Health Care, and Public-Private Partnerships for Community Development. The working groups developed recommendations for consideration by the task force. The Task Force issued its Final Report in January 2008.
The Connecticut Broadband Internet Coordinating Council was established pursuant to Section 3 of Substitute House Bill No. 7282, Public Act No. 07-254, C.G.S. 4d-100. The legislation passed after a December 2006 study by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering entitled, “Advanced Communications Technologies.” The council's charge was to monitor trends and developments in the state's efforts to develop a statewide world-class communications infrastructure. The statutory provision establishing the Connecticut Broadband Internet Coordinating Council was repealed effective July 1, 2011, by section 140 of Public Act 11-80.
2007 H.B. 310, Act 2 (Special Session 2007) established Hawaii's Broadband Task Force. The task force was directed to remove barriers to broadband deployment by using a technology-neutral approach to encourage lower prices for broadband services and create more consumer choices. The task force's purposes were to gain wider access to public rights-of-way; identify opportunities for increased broadband deployment and adoption, including very high speed broadband services; and enable the creation and deployment of new advanced communication technologies in Hawaii. The Task Force issued an initial report in 2007 and a final report in 2008. The Hawaii Broadband Task Force expired on June 30, 2009 as specified in the original legislation.
The Indiana Broadband Development Program was created by 2005 S.B. 381 (Ind. Code Ann. § 8-1-33-15). It created a coordinating body to determine the feasibility of implementing a statewide broadband network, and dissolved July 15, 2007.
The Maine Broadband Strategy Council was formed after Governor Baldacci signed Resolve, Chapter 108, LD 1012 requiring the ConnectME Authority to establish a special council to advise the authority on broadband opportunities available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the University of Maine System on matters pertaining to the sale or lease of excess capacity as a result of the conversion of the education broadband spectrum. The council terminated on December 1, 2010.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
Michigan Broadband Development Authority
New York State Council for Universal Broadband
The Maryland Task Force for the Deployment of Broadband in Rural Maryland was established during the 2003 General Assembly session, and in 2005, the General Assembly extended it through June 2006. The task force examined what works best in other regions of the country to expand broadband communications to rural communities. Next, the Task Force considered resources, infrastructure, and cost structures available in Maryland's rural regions to develop or access broadband communications. To establish and enhance broadband communications in the state's rural areas, the task force developed proposals and made recommendations to meet predetermined goals for deployment of effective broadband communications in unserved and underserved areas of the state. The task force recommended legislation, budget provisions or amendments, and changes in state procurement policy. During the 2005 General Assembly session, the Task Force sunset was extended to June 30, 2006 (SB 454 / HB 963).
The Michigan Broadband Development Authority (MBDA) was created by 2001 SB 881 (MCL § 484.3204) as an independent state government agency within the Department of Treasury. The goal of MBDA was to attract investment to the state and provide affordable broadband access to Michigan communities. In 2004, MBDA was responsible for granting $12 million in loans that went to 150 cities in 45 counties across Michigan. The authority had the power to issue taxable and tax exempt bonds and provide assistance for companies. The powers and duties of the MBDA were transferred in 2008 to the Public Service Commission and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority through Executive Reorganization Order No. 2008-4.
Missouri Rural High-Speed Internet Access Task Force
Missouri Governor George Blunt created, by executive order, the Rural High-Speed Internet Access Task Force in November 2007 to identify opportunities to increase access to technology across the state. Blunt directed the task force to: 1) assess the current level of high-speed Internet access available in Missouri; 2) identify barriers to deployment to underserved areas including economic, geographic, regulatory, and market barriers; 3) identify potential options to increase the deployment of high-speed Internet access in underserved communities; 4) review best practices in other states to increase high-speed Internet access; and 5) recommend statutory, regulatory, and policy changes needed to increase the availability of high-speed Internet services across the state. The task force expired on June 30, 2008
Nebraska Broadband Services Task Force
Established by 2005 L.B. 645 in October 2005, the Nebraska Broadband Services Task Force discussed issues related to broadband services in Nebraska. The task force identified trends regarding broadband deployment, changing consumer demands, and evolving technologies that impact both wholesale and retail broadband services. The task force concluded that private broadband providers are successfully deploying facilities to serve Nebraska’s needs and that competition by public power suppliers in providing wholesale broadband services was unnecessary at the time. However, future technological developments require the state’s attention to ensure citizens have access to changing broadband offerings. The Broadband Services Task Force's Final Report was released Nov. 22, 2006. In 2009, L.B. 154 eliminated the Broadband Services Task Force.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
North Carolina e-NC Authority
Ohio Broadband Council
South Carolina Broadband Advisory Committee
Virginia Broadband Roundtable
The New York State Council for Universal Broadband was created by Governor Elliott Spitzer in 2007. The council was charged with creating, through a competitive grant process, integrated and inclusive public/private partnerships to rapidly deploy affordable broadband services. The council recommended a comprehensive statewide strategy that charted a course towards affordable broadband access throughout the state. The approach sought to leverage existing resources, consider new ways to extend high-speed Internet access beyond traditional means, and recommend approaches to increase digital literacy in underserved urban and rural communities. The council was replaced by the New York State Broadband Development and Deployment Council in 2009 by Executive Order 22.
On Aug. 2, 2000, the North Carolina General Assembly created the Rural Internet Access Authority through 2000 S.B. 1343. The bill created this organization to study and report on North Carolina's telecommunications infrastructure and to increase Internet use. The authority was given additional powers under 2003 H.B. 1194 and 2005 S.B. 1741. Those bills created the e-NC Authority to continue the work of the Rural Internet Access Authority and extended the sunset of the e-NC Authority to Dec. 31, 2011.
In August 2009, the e-NC was designated by the governor as the broadband mapping entity for North Carolina for purposes of the State Broadband Data and Development Grant under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. In 2010, e-NC was awarded $6.6 million in federal funding, until 2014, to support planning, capacity building, adoption and use across North Carolina. In 2011, H.B. 200/N.C. Sess. Laws,Chap. 145 required the e-NC to transfer the remaining federal funds to the Department of Commerce to continue the broadband mapping activities.
On July 27, 2007, Governor Ted Strickland signed Executive Order 2007 - 24S, creating an Ohio Broadband Council to coordinate efforts to extend access to the Broadband Ohio Network to every county in Ohio. In addition to developing a plan for statewide broadband deployment, the Ohio Broadband Council was charged with coordinating all state-funded broadband initiatives, pursuing additional federal investments in broadband, promoting public and private broadband initiatives and addressing the digital divide in Ohio’s rural and urban areas. The council expired in 2010 with the end of Governor Strickland’s term.
South Carolina Broadband Advisory Committee was created in 2009 under the South Carolina Department of Commerce to manage, oversee and monitor use of the state Rural Broadband Fund. The committee, chaired by the state’s Secretary of Commerce, prioritized funding to areas of the state that have been underserved by the existing telecommunications infrastructure. The committee’s most recent action was deliberating and commenting on the state’s behalf during the second award of NTIA funds. Having fulfilled its primary purpose, the committee’s activity has ceased.
South Carolina Broadband Technology and Communications Study Committee
The South Carolina Broadband Technology and Communications Study Committee was created by 2007 Act 169. The committee's final report, completed in February 2008, recommended that the state create a public-private partnership to promote the deployment and adoption of broadband services in the state to evaluate the state's broadband communications infrastructure, and to assess the availability of and need for broadband services in unserved and underserved areas.
Current/Active STATE Broadband Task Forces, Commissions, or Authorities
On June 13, 2007, Governor Kaine announced the formation of the Virginia Broadband Roundtable to accelerate the attainment of his economic strategic goal of having affordable broadband connectivity to every business in the Commonwealth by 2010. The Broadband Roundtable was charged with delivering a “blueprint” to assist communities with broadband planning and deployment. Roundtable members included local, national, and international leaders with a strong track record of innovating in the telecommunications industry.
Arkansas Establishes "Connect Arkansas" and the Arkansas Broadband Council.
Arkansas
Arkansas Definition/ Regulation
Arkansas
Arizona Funding
California
California
California Funding/Regulation
Colorado
Connec-ticut
Florida
Broadband is considered by many to be a fundamental vehicle for new services and applications—such as telemedicine, telecommuting and online education—that require high speed Internet connections. State legislative involvement has been an important factor for successful implementation of broadband in the states. This table provides examples of various types of state broadband initiatives.
Ark. Stat. §4-113-101, et seq. Coordination and Leadership
Ark. Stat. §23-18-801, et seq.Enables Broadband over Power Lines. Permits an electric utility, an affiliate of an electric utility, or a person unaffiliated with an electric utility to own, construct, maintain, and operate a broadband system and provide broadband services on an electric utility's electric delivery system.
Gov’t Ownership and Operation
Ark. Stat. § 23-17-401/ 2013 S.B. 297, Act 442
Ensures continued broadband expansion in rural areas within the state; provides 911 emergency service to rural areas within the state; enhances the 911 emergency system and assists its funding; defines Interconnected VoIP service; provides for the implementation of a specified plan in certain circumstances; makes changes concerning Arkansas High Cost Fund charge levels, funding categories, intrastate Carrier Common Line charges, universal service, the phase out of the High Cost Fund, and certain rates.
Ark. Stat. § 25-4-125/S2013 S.B. 926, Act 1168
Creates a state broadband manager to promote, develop, and coordinate broadband expansion and appropriate broadband infrastructure for all areas of the state.
Coordination and Leadership
Ariz. Rev. Stat. §41-3508; §15-1261
Establishes the “Statewide E-rate Program Fund” and requires all school districts and charter schools that receive e-rate funding to establish an e-rate fund, which may be used to reimburse the school district or charter school for broadband Internet and telecommunications costs.
Cal. Gov. Code §61100(af)Authorizes community services districts to construct, own, improve, maintain, and operate broadband facilities and to provide broadband services until a private person or entity can acquire and operate facilities and provide broadband service at a cost and quality of service comparable to that offered by the community services district.
Gov’t Ownership and Operation
Cal. Gov. Code § 8885-8889Establishes the California Broadband Council. The purpose of the Council is to promote broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas of the state and broadband adoption throughout the state. The act also imposes duties on the Council and specifies the membership of the Council.
Coordination and Leadership
Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 281
Increases the amount the Public Utilities Commission is authorized to collect of a surcharge deposited into the State Advanced Services Fund. Requires deposits into the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account for grants for infrastructure projects to provide broadband universal service. Provides applicants and challenging parties the opportunity to demonstrate broadband service in a project area. Provides for the Broadband Public Housing Account and last-mile broadband access to unserved areas. Requires that a specified amount of additional moneys collected that are deposited into the Broadband Infrastructure Account, be used to support programs designed to increase adoption rates for broadband service for residents of publicly supported communities, and not more than a specified amount of funds in additional funds in the account be used to connect broadband networks to publicly supported communities.
Colo. Rev. Stat. §24-37.5-101 et seq.Creates the Office of Innovation and Technology and charges the office to investigate and develop methods for maximizing broadband access throughout the state.
Coordination and Leadership
Conn. Gen. Stat.Creates the Broadband Internet Coordinating Council, whose duties involve monitoring trends and developments in the state's efforts to develop a state-wide world-class communications infrastructure; and issuing any reports it deems necessary to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to technology.
Coordination and Leadership§4d-100
District of Columbia
D.C. Official Code § 1-1403
Provides that the Office of the Chief Technology Officer shall develop and implement solutions designed to ensure that residents and businesses in all areas of the District have reasonable, affordable access to high-speed Internet services, including obtaining and expending federal grant funds for digital inclusion efforts and awarding sub-grants to nonprofit entities established in the District for the purpose of supporting digital inclusion efforts.
Coordination and Leadership/Funding
Fla. Stat. §445.046 Encourages the development of a network access point, which is defined to be a carrier-neutral, public-private Internet traffic exchange point.
Idaho Creates a tax credit for qualified broadband expenditures. Funding
Illinois Illinois' High Speed Internet Services and Information Technology Act.
Illinois
Illinois
Indiana
Indiana
Indiana Regulation
Indiana Regulation
Iowa Provides that the treasurer of state may issue and sell bonds for public broadband. Funding
Iowa Regulation
Kansas Definition
Ga. Code §36-66B-1
Creates the Advanced Broadband Collocation Act. Provides for streamlined processing of applications for collocation or modification of certain wireless facilities and requires that such applications be reviewed for conformance with site plan and building permit requirements, including zoning and land use conformity. Requires a local governing authority to make its final decision concerning such applications within a specified number of days.
Coordination and Leadership
Ga. Code §46-5-221Defines 'broadband service' as a service that consists of the capability to transmit at a rate not less than 200 kilobits per second in either the upstream or downstream direction and in combination with such service provide either: (A) Access to the Internet; or (B) Computer processing, information storage, or protocol conversion.
HRS §226-10.5Sets forth objectives and policies with regard to telecommunications and information technology directed toward positioning Hawaii as a leader in broadband communications and applications in the Pacific Region.
Coordination and Leadership
HRS § 27; HRS § 46 / 2013 H.B. 635, Act 264
Requires the state and the counties to approve, approve with modification, or disapprove all broadband-related permits within specified business days of submitting a permit application and a fee; provides that if no action is taken on the next business day, the application will be deemed approved; relates to cable installation, tower construction, placement of broadband equipment in the road rights-of-way, undersea boring, or the landing of an undersea communications cable.
Idaho Code §63-3029I
Ill. Rev. Stat. Ch. 20 §661/1 et seq. Coordination and Leadership
Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 20, §661/20
Relates to broadband deployment, telecommunications services, and cable and video services. Makes changes concerning the analysis of broadband markets, telecommunications rates and services, interstate switched access rates, basic local exchange service, telecommunications devices for persons with disabilities, billing statements, contracts containing early termination fees for residential cable or video services, regulation of interconnected VoIP services, and various other matters.
Coordination and Leadership
Ill. Rev. Stat. Ch. 20 §2712/5-1 et seq.Requires Illinois to create a plan for transmitting high speed data services on all passenger rail systems in Illinois.
Coordination and Leadership
Ind. Code §8-1-33-1 et seq.
Creates the Indiana Broadband Development Program, which aims to encourage the provision of affordable broadband services and networks that will ensure the long term growth of and the enhancement and delivery of services by the business, educational, medical, commercial, nonprofit, and governmental entities in underserved areas in Indiana; and benefit residential, commercial, public, governmental, and nonprofit entities in underserved areas in Indiana.
Coordination and Leadership
Ind. Code §5-28-33Requires the Economic Development Corporation to develop a high speed Internet service deployment and adoption initiative, creates a statewide geographic information system of telecommunications and information technology services and exempts from the state gross retail tax certain tangible personal property used to provide broadband services.
Coordination and Leadership
Ind. Code § 6-1.1-12.5
Provides for the establishment by counties of infrastructure development zones in which natural gas, broadband and advanced services, and water infrastructure are exempt from property taxation; allows certain electric customers to petition for rate discounts; authorizes a utility that provides electric or gas service to petition to recover transmission, distribution, and storage improvement costs; provides for coordination of public right-of-way use for transportation infrastructure improvement projects.
Ind. Code § 8-1-2.6-1.3 / 2013 S.B. 492
Provides that a communications service provider is not eligible for property tax exemptions for broadband service if the facilities or technologies are used in a location where wireline broadband service is provided.
Iowa Code §12.87
Iowa Code § 476.1D Requires telephone utilities to offer digital subscriber line broadband service in specific circumstances.
Kan. Stat. Ann. §66-2005
Defines ‘‘broadband network’’ as a connection that delivers services at speeds exceeding two hundred kilobits per second in both directions and "underserved rural areas’’ as an area where no more than 15 percent of potential broadband customers in a census tract are capable of receiving broadband of at least 386 kilobits per second in both directions. Requires broadband service providers to show the geographic areas where customers can receive broadband services and the commission to compile this information into a report for the Legislature.
Kentucky Exempts a number of telecommunications systems from regulation, including broadband service. Regulation
Louisiana Creates the Louisiana Broadband Advisory Council.
Maine Regulation
Maine Regulation
Michigan Assessment
Michigan Creates the Michigan Broadband Development Authority.
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missis-sippi Funding
Missouri
Nebraska Creates the Nebraska Internet Enhancement Fund; sets terms for the fund's use. Funding
Nevada Regulation
Nevada Regulation
Ky. Rev. Stat. §147A.023
Makes it the duty of the Kentucky Department for Local Government to Track the deployment and adoption of broadband and information technology in Kentucky; Enable public-private partnerships among broadband providers and relevant government entities to encourage the deployment and adoption of advanced broadband services; Serve as a resource for all citizens, broadband providers, and technology businesses regarding broadband and information technology issues; Report progress on deployment and adoption to the Legislative Research Commission upon request and at least annually; and Ensure notification to the public of the availability of public funds for broadband and information technology investments prior to awarding any contracts or grants.
Coordination and Leadership
Ky. Rev. Stat. §224A.1121
Creates an incentive program to give highest funding priority to those projects which most effectively provide broadband service to the greatest number of unserved Kentucky citizens and at the lowest cost. Funding shall not be used for projects with an intent to deploy broadband service to areas where broadband service already exists; however, it may consider funding for projects that, in providing broadband service for an unserved area, create an overlap in existing broadband coverage for less than twenty percent (20%) of households in the proposed coverage area.
Coordination and Leadership
Ky. Rev. Stat. §278.546 et seq.
La. Rev. Stat. §51:955.1 et seq. Coordination and Leadership
Me. Rev. Stat. § 9202-AEstablishes the state broadband policy. Requires development of target prices and competitively neutral discounts to customers in areas where services are more expensive than the average metropolitan rates and requires the ConnectME Authority to develop target prices for broadband services and establish discounts in rural areas.
Me. Rev. Stat. § 9216Establishes the requirements of the Broadband Sustainability Fee and Fund. An entity that purchases, leases or otherwise obtains federally supported dark fiber from a dark fiber provider is subject to the following broadband sustainability fees
Mich. Comp. Laws §125.1432
Requires the State Housing Development Authority to conduct an annual review of all loans, financial instruments that require repayment, or lines of credit with the Michigan Broadband Development Authority. Specifies that the review is to include an analysis of the Michigan Broadband Development Authority’s ability to repay all of its debts to the Authority. Requires an analysis of the number of authority assisted or financed developments and homes purchasing high-speed internet connections at substantially reduced rates.
Mich. Comp. Laws §484.3201 et seq. Coordination and Leadership
Minn. Stat. §237.012
Establishes a goal for the state that by no later than 2015, all state residents and businesses have access to broadband that provides specified download and upload speeds. Requires annual reports by the Commissioner of Commerce that identify barriers impeding the achievement of those goals and suggests strategies to overcome those barriers, and requires the commissioner of commerce to appoint and convene a broadband advisory group.
Coordination and Leadership
Miss. Code §57-87-1 et seq.Declares Mississippi's policy is to provide incentives for "telecommunications enterprises" to invest in the infrastructure needed to provide broadband technology throughout the state to keep Mississippi competitive and to promote economic development within the state.
Coordination and Leadership
Miss. Code §27-65-101Extends the sales tax exemption on sales of equipment to telecommunications enterprises that is used in the deployment of broadband technologies. Extends the ad valorem tax exemption for equipment used in the deployment of broadband technologies by telecommunications enterprises.
Mo. Code § 67.5090 to 67.5102./ 2013 H.B. 331 1
The Uniform Wireless Communications Infrastructure Deployment Act. Intended to encourage and streamline the deployment of broadband facilities and to help ensure that robust wireless communication services are available throughout Missouri.
Coordination and Leadership
Neb. Rev. Stat. §86-579 et seq.
Nev. Rev. Stat. §704.684Exempts broadband service from regulation by the Nevada Public Utility Commission except under certain circumstances.
Nev. Rev. Stat. §04.6878 / 2013 A.B 486
Revises provisions relating to telecommunication providers; authorizes competitive telecommunication providers to apply to the State Public Utilities Commission for relief from the obligations and status of a provider of last resort when alternative services are available; revises provisions relating to the regulation of Internet Protocol-enabled service or Voice over Internet Protocol service.
Regulates the provision of broadband services by cities.
Ohio Regulation
Oklahoma Regulation
Oregon
Rhode Island
TennesseeFunding
Tennessee
Texas
Utah Funding
Vermont
Vermont Rights-of-way
Virginia
Virginia
Virginia Regulation
New Hampshire
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 12-A:59Establishes the position of Director of Broadband Technology Planning and Development in the Department of Resources and Economic Development and provides that the director's duties include the development of a comprehensive broadband plan for New Hampshire.
Coordination and Leadership
New Hampshire
N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 38:38 38:39, 38:40, 38:41
Allows municipal areas to charge Broadband Access Tariffs. Those tariffs are then placed into a fund that may be used to repair, expand, or replace broadband infrastructure.
New Hampshire
N.H. Rev. Stat. §12-A:46Extends the telecommunications planning and development initiative; changes certain provisions of the telecommunications planning and development advisory committee.
Coordination and Leadership
N.J. Rev. Stat. §40:9D-1 et seq.Authorizes local units to construct, own or operate broadband telecommunications infrastructure to provide broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network; or provide broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network.
Gov't Ownership and Operation
North Carolina
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 62-3 Defines broadband, provides that broadband service provided by public utilities is not to be regulated by the Public Service Commission.
North Carolina
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 62-113Permits certain broadband services providers to offer voice grade service along with broadband service outside the providers' service territory or franchise area.
North Carolina
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§160A:340 et seq. Gov't Ownership and Operation
North Carolina
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-437.01Creates the Industrial Development Fund; provides funds to assist local government units of the most economically distressed counties in the state in creating and retaining jobs in certain industries. Allows funds to be used for high-speed broadband.
North Carolina
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-349.60Provides that counties may provide grants to unaffiliated qualified private providers of highspeed Internet access service, as that term is defined in G.S. 160A-340(4), for the purpose of expanding service in unserved areas for economic development in the county
Oh. Rev. Stat. § 4905.02Revises state regulation of telephone companies, including any broadband service offered by a telephone company.
Okla. Stat. tit. 17, §139.110Prohibits the Oklahoma Corporation Commission from placing any regulation upon a provider of high speed Internet access service or broadband service.
Ore. Rev. Stat. §403.100Declares Oregon's policy is to encourage and support the rapid deployment of broadband telecommunications services in areas of the state where the services do not exist.
Coordination and Leadership
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-28-1 et seq.Creates a broadband deployment and investment act designed to implement regulations and oversight of broadband across the state.
Coordination and Leadership
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 7-59-315, -316Creates the Tennessee broadband deployment fund to promote the deployment of broadband Internet service to unserved areas of the state. Authorizes telecommunications joint ventures to provide broadband services to areas that have been determined to be historically unserved.
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 65-5-201, -202, -203Establishes the Broadband Business Certainty Act of 2006 to ensure that Tennessee provides an attractive environment for investment in broadband technology by establishing certainty regarding the regulatory treatment of that technology.
Tex. Util. Code §43.001 et seq.Encourages the deployment of Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) by permitting affiliates of the electric utility, or permitting unaffiliated entities, to own or operate all or a portion of such BPL systems. Provides the appropriate framework to support the deployment of BPL.
Coordination and Leadership
Utah Code §63M-1-2301 et seq.Creates a Rural Broadband Service Account. Provides for grants to assist providers that want to deploy rural broadband service.
Vt. Stat. tit. 30, §8079 Authorizes the Vermont telecommunications authority to build infrastructure to meet the cellular and broadband needs of unserved Vermonters.
Coordination and Leadership
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 30, §8090 et seq.
Requires electric or gas utility companies to allow communications service providers access to their infrastructure for the installation and maintenance of communications facilities. Specifies that the communications service provider is responsible for any costs that the electric or gas utility company incurs to obtain easements or other property rights necessary for the installation and operation of communications facilities.
Va. Code Ann. §§ 2.2-225, 2.2-2218 et seq.
Merges the Innovative Technology Authority and the Research and Technology Advisory Commission into a single entity named the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Investment Authority (IEIA). The IEIA is responsible for monitoring trends in the availability and deployment of and access to broadband communications services.
Coordination and Leadership
Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-225.1Establishes the Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance which aims to encourage telework as a public policy that promotes workplace efficiency and reduces strains on the transportation infrastructure.
Coordination and Leadership
Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-1150.2Requires state agencies to lease or convey an interest in a state-owned communication tower or site to qualified providers of wireless broadband service to deploy broadband Internet service in areas that are not receiving adequate broadband service.
Establishes the Governor's Broadband Advisory Council whose purpose is to advise the Governor on policy and funding priorities in order to expedite deployment and reduce the cost of broadband access.
Coordination and Leadership
Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2419 et seq.Creates the Broadband Infrastructure Loan Fund which empowers local governments to build or facilitate the building of wired or wireless broadband infrastructure to areas currently unserved by broadband services.
Wash. Rev. Code §§ 43.330.403 to 43.330.409
Creates a broadband mapping account, coordinates use of funds. Authorizes creation of a geographic information system map with broadband adoption information, availability information, type of high-speed internet deployment technology, and available speed tiers for high-speed internet based on any publicly available data.
Funding, Coordination and Leadership
W. Va. Code §31-15C
Establishes the Broadband Deployment Council and creates the Broadband Deployment Fund. Directs the Council to develop a strategy to provide universal broadband access by stimulating demand for broadband services and by constructing the necessary infrastructure. Requires a report describing the existing broadband infrastructure owned, leased, used, or operated by the state; broadband infrastructure purchased by the state; the demand for the infrastructure in the state; and whether or not that infrastructure is available to the public. Protects proprietary information submitted to the Council from disclosure.
Coordination and Leadership
W. Va. Code §64-10-2 Authorizes the Broadband Deployment Council to promulgate a legislative rule relating to broadband deployment grants programs.Funding/Coordination and Leadership
Wis. Stat. §66.0422States that local governments to meet a number of requirements before enacting an ordinance or adopting a resolution authorizing the local government to construct, own, or operate any facility for providing video service, telecommunications service, or broadband service, directly or indirectly, to the public.
Coordination and Leadership
1 On August 27, 2013, the Circuit Court of Cole County, Missouri enjoined and stayed HB 331.
NCSL Contacts: Pam Greenberg and Jo Anne Bourquard, NCSL Denver Office, 303-364-7700.
State Legislative Actions pertaining to Broadband Availability or Adoption prior to 2011
Code of Ala. § 11-50B-1 et seq. Provides for ownership and/or operation of internet services by municipalities.
Cal. Pub Util Code § 709.7 Orders compliance with provision of broadband over telephone lines.
Cal. Pub Util Code § 883 Mandates that Public Utility Commission investigate the inclusion of high-speed communication and internet services in universal services.
C.R.S. 29-27-103 Prevents local governments from providing telecommunications services except in limited circumstances.
Limits on Municipality Ownership
C.R.S. 29-27-201 Requires referendum before local government can provide telecommunications services.
Limits on Municipality Ownership
C.R.S. 29-27-202 Allows local governments to provide service only if they request service from a provider and that provider does not respond within 60 days.
Limits on Municipality Ownership
C.R.S. 29-27-101 Declaration of intent to ensure consistent policy framework for telecommunication providers.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-412 Exempts sales tax on items used to provide telecommunications, high-speed data transmission or broad-band Internet services
Fla. Stat. § 350.81 Allows a government entity to provide high-speed-Internet-access-service only after 2 separate public hearings. Any government entity providing communications services may not price the service below cost.
Limits on Municipality Ownership
Fla. Stat. § 212.08 Exempts development projects sponsored by non-profit or government "eligible sponsors" to increases access to high-speed broadband capability for rural communities with enterprise zones from sales tax.
Fla. Stat. § 220.183 Provides income tax credits for any project designed to provide increased access to high-speed broadband capabilities which includes coverage of a rural enterprise zone.
Fla. Stat. § 364.013 Protects broadband services from local government regulation and specifically prohibits the regulation of Voice Over Internet Protocol.
O.C.G.A. § 48-7-29.11 Offers tax credit to both employees and employers who participate in telework programs. Effective July 1, 2007.
O.C.G.A. § 48-7-40.2 et. seq. Offers telecommunication companies a state tax credit for existing telecom infrastructure. Tax credits are one percent, three percent, or five percent depending on location.
HRS § 235-110.51 Offers tax credit to build or improve high-speed telecommunications.
Idaho Code § 63-3029I Offers income tax credit to service providers for investment in broadband equipment installed between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005.
220 ILCS 5/13-407 Mandates monitoring of broadband deployment and utilization statistics. Sunsets 7/1/2007.
220 ILCS 5/13-301.3 Creates special fund for the construction of high-speed data infrastructure in underserved areas. Sunsets 7/1/07.
2006 Ind. ALS 27 Establishes that the Indiana utility regulatory commission does not have jurisdiction over broadband services and relies on market forces to encourage innovation and investment.
IC 8-1-2.6-1.3 Establishes that broadband services are not subject to regulation by the Public Utilities Commission
IC 8-1-33 Provides for government financing to developers who build broadband infrastructure in underserved areas of Indiana.
deployment of broadband service to unserved areas.
Louisiana Financing
Louisiana
Louisiana
Maine
Maine Financing
Maryland Financing
Maryland Financing
Maryland Rights-of-Way
Massachussett Financing
Massachussett
Massachussett
Michigan Assessment
Michigan Financing
KRS 278.5462 Requires that “the provision of broadband shall be market-based and not subject to state administrative regulation...with respect to...(a) the availability of facilities or equipment used to provide broadband services; or (b) the rates, terms or conditions for, or entry into, the provision of broadband service.”
KRS 224A.1121 Establishes broadband deployment account to assist government and private sector entities to construct infrastructure for the
La. R.S. 51:955:5 Establishes the Broadband Infrastructure and Information Technology Fund to expand broadband services in Louisiana.
La. R.S. 45:844.43 et seq. Allows local governments to provide high-speed internet services only if a preliminary public hearing is held and if a required feasibility study is approved and demonstrates that the annual revenues will exceed the annual costs by at least enough to meet any bond obligations.
Limits on Municipality Ownership
La. R.S. 51:955.1-4 Creates the Louisiana Broadband Advisory Council and tasks the council with providing strategic guidance for broadband deployment.
Coordination and Leadership
35-A M.R.S. § 9201 et seq. Creates the ConnectME Authority to stimulate investment in broadband infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas.
Coordination and Leadership
35-A M.R.S. § 9201 et seq. Creates the ConnectME Authority to stimulate investment in broadband infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas.
Md. Ann. Code art. 41 § 21-101 et seq. Establishes the Maryland Rural Broadband Coordination Board and tasks board with assisting to deploy broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved areas.
Md. Ann. Code art. 83A § 5-1902 Creates Rural Broadband Assistance Fund to assist with the establishment of broadband communication services in rural and underserved areas
Md. TRANSPORTATION Code Ann. § 8-654 Prohibits rights-of-way charges to non-profits for installation of broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved areas.
ALM GL ch. 40J § 6C Establishes the Wireless and Broadband Development Fund to finance the activities of the wireless and broadband development council.
ALM GL ch. 23A, § 3 Creates a division of wireless and broadband development within the MA office of business development (MODB). The director is responsible for creating a plan to ensure that services are deployed throughout the state.
Coordination and Leadership
ALM GL ch. 40J, § 6B Establishes a wireless and broadband development council to foster the development of wireless internet, cellular and broadband infrastructure. The council is tasked with promoting access to high speed internet connectivity and telecommunications across the commonwealth, with a special interest in enhancing and increasing wireless internet, cellular and broadband coverage in underserved communities, to promote economic development, meet the commonwealth's homeland security and emergency preparedness needs, improve government efficiency, and improve residents' quality of life.
Coordination and Leadership
MCLS § 125.1432 Directs the State Housing Development Authority to conduct an annual review of all loans, financial instruments that require repayment, or lines of credit with the Michigan broadband development authority that analyzes of the number of authority-assisted or -financed developments and homes purchasing high-speed internet connections at substantially reduced rates as a direct result of loans from the Michigan broadband development authority.
MCLS § 484.3201 et seq. The MICHIGAN BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT creates the Michigan Broadband Development Authority and allows the authority to finance and partner with private sector entities with the goal of expanding broadband services.
MCLS § 484.3114 Public hearing must be held before a county or municipality can construct broadband facilities or provide them through another entitites facilities. Municipality must prepare cost-benefit analysis and accounting records and cannot undercharge or limit right-of-way access to other service providers.
Limits on Municipality Ownership
MCLS § 125.1657 Allows the Downtown Development Authority to contract for broadband service and wireless technology service for the downtown districts of Michigan municipalities.
MCLS § 484.3101 et seq. Metropolitan Extension Telecommunication Right-of-Way Oversight Act (METRO) creates a telecommunication rights-of-way oversight authority to help standardize right-of-way access by evaluating and administering fees paid to municipalities. Service providers are required to include route maps indicating their location and other information in their application for a right-of-way permit. To fund the Authority, providers pay a one time $500.00 administrative fee and are charged $.05 per linear foot annually as a maintenance fee.
Minnesota Statutes 237.76 et seq. Provides for alternative regulation for providers who commit to expanding broadband services over a period of not less than six years.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-87-1 et seq. The Mississippi Broadband Technology Development Act provides investment tax credits, ranging from 5% to 15% over ten years, and sales tax exemptions, ranging from 50% to 100%, with the greater credits going to those companies investing in the least populous regions of the state. The incentive package is available for investments made between June 30, 2003 and July 1, 2013. The tax credit can be used for nine consecutive years after the year in which it is earned. The bill also amends a section of the state code to allow the sale of equipment to telecommunications entities made during the eligible period and installed for use in broadband deployment be exempt from one half of the sales tax. For the same sale made for use in the most rural areas, the sales tax is waived.
77. § 135.535 R.S.Mo. Provides tax credits for the high-speed telecommunications equipment expenses of companies relocating to economically distressed areas.
Mont. Code Anno., § 2-17-601 et seq. Prohibits government entities from providing internet services except in limited circumstances, such as where no private provider is willing to provide service. Also strongly encourages government entities to publish their internet service requirements and utilize the services of a private provider.
Limits on Municipality Ownership
R.R.S. Neb. § 86-594 Prevents state agencies or political subdivisions other than public power supplier from providing broadband services. This prohibition end on December 31, 2007.
R.R.S. Neb. § 86-579 Created the Nebraska Internet Enhancement Fund to provide financial assistance to install and deliver broadband or other advanced telecommunications infrastructure and service throughout the state.
R.R.S. Neb. § 86-580 Directs the Public Service Commission to establish an application process for counties or municipalities to apply for financial assistance from the Nebraska Internet Enhancement Fund. The process shall allow the county or municipality to obtain a service provider for broadband or other advanced telecommunications services in an exchange or other area defined by the county or municipality where such telecommunications services are to be delivered at rates of service agreed upon between the service provider and county or municipality. Applicants must provide matching funds of at least twenty-five percent of the total projected cost.
Pennsylvania 66 Pa.C.S. § 3014 (link not available) Alternative Regulation
South Carolina Deregulation
South Carolina Financing
Texas BPL
Texas Rural Access
Utah
Vermont
Virginia Financing
Virginia Financing
R.R.S. Neb. § 86-599 Creates the Broadband Services Task Force and directs the Task Force to study competition among providers; the implications of provision by government entities and public power suppliers; regulation and taxation issues; the current deployment of broadband services throughout the state; and the feasibility of utilizing the public power infrastructure to provide broadband services throughout the state.
Coordination and Leadership
Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 704.684 Limits state regulation of broadband to determining rates charged by a public utility, addressing complaints, and collecting annual assessments.
RSA § 38:38 et seq. Allows municipalities to charge access tariffs for broadband services. Any tariffs collected are to be kept apart from other revenues in a broadband fund to be used only to defray the cost of building or maintaining broadband infrastructure.
RSA § 33:3-g Allows municipalities to issue bonds to be used for broadband infrastructure financing.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-437.44 Recognizes the importance of keeping pace with technological changes and the value of continuing to promote broadband deployment in underserved areas.
ORS § 759.016 Recognizes the value of promoting broadband deployment in the state.
ORS § 759.036 Requires the Public Utilities Commission to report on the availability of broadband services, the rates charged for broadband services, the demand for broadband services and the usage of broadband services.
Provides alternative regulation for telecommunications carriers who commit to specific broadband deployment goals in underserved areas.
S.C. Code Ann. § 58-9-280 Eliminates regulation of broadband except when competition is insufficient to protect the public interest.
S.C. Code Ann. § 12-10-85 Provides that one use of the Rural Infrastructure Fund is to provide financial assistance to local governments for deploying infrastructure and improving public and private telecommunications systems.
Tex. Utilities Code § 43.001 et seq. Permits electric utilities to own and operate BPL systems or to allow a third-party entity to provide BPL services using its facilities. Provides that no additional easements or consideration are required prior to installation of a BPL system.
Texas PURA § 26.143 This Public Utility Commission of Texas subchapter addresses the need and the methods for telecommunications service providers to provide, when requested, rural telecommunications services at comparable costs and conditions to urban services.
Utah Code Ann. § 10-18-201 et seq. Allows municipalities to provide broadband services only after conducting a feasibility study and holding public hearings. A public referendum may also be called. An exemption in the bill allows wholesale or municipal networks, as long as retail services aren't sold. The city can't be the party selling cable television, or broadband, or phone service to a homeowner. The Utah law also allows interlocal cooperation entities to cross state borders
Limits on Municipality Ownership
3A V.S.A. 30-7 Directs the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to play leadership role in the state's broadband deployment efforts.
Coordination and Leadership
Va. Code Ann. § § 2.2-2233 Creates the Advanced Communications Assistance Fund, to be administered by the Innovative Technology Authority, to help underserved localities in the Commonwealth take full advantage of advanced communications services.
Va. Code Ann. § § 2.2-115 Creates the Governor's Development Opportunity Fund to be used to attract economic development prospects and secure the expansion of existing industry. Funds may be used for public and private utility extension or capacity development on and off site; public and private installation, extension, or capacity development of high-speed or broadband Internet access.
Rev. Code Wash. § 82.14.370 Provides that sales and use taxes may be collected by rural counties to support the building and maintenance of telecommunication infrastructure.
Wis. Stat. § 66.0422 Prohibits government entities from providing internet services except where specific requirements are met or if the entity was providing the service as of November 1, 2003.
Limits on Municipality Ownership
Wis. Stat. § 196.204 Waives requirement that the total service long-run incremental cost used to determine pricing take into account taxes, pole rentals, rights-of-way, licenses, and similar costs when a government entity provides broadband services.
Legislative Reference Explanations or commentary provided by MuniNetworks.org
Alabama
Florida
Louisiana
Michigan
Missouri
States with Municipal Pre-emption Issues
Statute: Alabama Code § 11-50B-1 et seq.
Short Explanation: Alabama has a variety of restrictions imposed on municipalities to prevent investment in community broadband networks. Among other barriers, it requires a referendum before offering cable services and requires each communications service (phone, Internet access, and television), to be self-sustaining in isolation from the others.
Commentary: Referendums are typically one-sided affairs where incumbents outspend community network advocates anywhere from 10:1 to 60:1. Local governments are typically prohibited from encouraging voters to take one side or the other. The requirement for self-sustaining singular services makes bundling (triple-play) more difficult and is unheard of among private providers.
Statute: Florida Statutes § 350.81
Short Explanation: Florida imposes taxes uniquely on municipal telecommunications services. Additionally, Florida requires a plan to ensure the network breaks even within four years.
Commentary: Telecommunications networks require expensive up-front investments, especially for full fiber-to-the-networks, that are rarely able to break even so quickly. An approach that focuses solely on breaking even that quickly comes at the expense of building/operating a high quality network - technical support budgets are among the first to be cut when a network owner puts revenues above community needs. Further, such a one-size-fits-all approach is hardly appropriate for a state with such diversity among its cities.
Statute: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 45:884.41 et seq.
Short Explanation: Louisiana requires a referendum as well as imputing a variety of costs and renders incumbent franchise obligations void until a variety of benchmarks are satisfied.
The Louisiana law (at RS 45:844.47) additionally forbids _any_ public-private partnership. This was decisive in shutting down New Orleans public WiFi network and forcing them to give what the community had built and supported over to a private owner who subsequently got out of the business, abandoning the network. This provision strips the patina of ideology off such laws--it is intended to preserve the status quo ante and to protect the incumbents from _any_ competition whatsoever. There is no "free enterprise" involved.
Statute: Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 484.2252
Short Explanation: Michigan requires communities to issue an RFP for a network and only build if they receive fewer than 3 qualified bids. If the community builds it, they must adhere to the terms of the RFP.
Short Explanation: Missouri cities and counties are barred from selling telecommunications services to the public though they may sell cable services after a successful referendum.
Legislative Reference Explanations or commentary provided by MuniNetworks.orgStates with
Municipal Pre-emption Issues
Nevada
Attempts, butNot Currently restricted
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Nevada Statutes § 268.086 and Nevada Statutes § 710.147
Short Explanation: Nevada prohibits municipalities with populations greater than 25,000 and counties greater than 50,000 from offering telecommunications services.Commentary: Banning broadband provision by the public sector forces communities to beg private companies to invest in needed infrastructure. Such policies encourage the private sector to invest in wealthy areas and ignore low-income areas.
New Hampshire
A recent in-depth article from the Keene Sentinel updates us on the status of New Hampshire's HB 286, which would expand bonding authority for local governments. New Hampshire law currently restricts bonding authority for Internet infrastructure to towns with no access to the Internet, but nearly all communities have at least some slow broadband access in a few pockets of town. http://www.muninetworks.org/tags-177
Short Explanation: With the exception of certain grandfathered networks, cities cannot provide communications services unless they comply with numerous onerous procedural and substantive requirements. For example, public entities must comply with a panoply of legal requirements that do not apply to them, inflate their rates to unattractive levels by adding phantom costs that unspecified private providers might pay if they provided comparable services, forgo use of popular methods of financing public projects, hold a referendum before providing services, and make commercially sensitive information available to inspection by private competitors.
Commentary: Under rules like these, communities are left with all the disadvantages of both the public and private sector with no advantages from either. These laws are rigged to ensure the public cannot build a network, allowing existing providers to monopolize the community.
Statute: 66 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 3014(h)
Short Explanation: Communities may not provide broadband services unless the local telephone company has refused to provide the requested speed - regardless of the prices charged.
Commentary: This is a de facto prohibition on community broadband networks - leaving communities at the mercy of existing providers who have little incentive to make prices affordable.
Legislative Reference Explanations or commentary provided by MuniNetworks.orgStates with
Municipal Pre-emption Issues
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Statute: Tennessee Code Ann. § 7-52-601 et seq
Short Explanation: Tennessee places many administrative requirements in the way of communities that want to build broadband networks via public power utilities. They must complete an explicitly detailed process to meet a bar not set for private providers intending to offer like services.
Commentary: In a state with the great legacy of the Tennessee Valley Authority, these burdens on publicly owned essential infrastructure are a disgrace to the great investments of those who came before us. This restriction harms communities that might otherwise be able to solve their own problems locally.
Statute: Texas Utilities Code, § 54.201 et seq.Short Explanation: Texas prohibits municipalities and public power utilities from offering telecommunications services to the public.
Statute: Utah Code Ann. § 10-18-201 et seq.
Short Explanation: Utah places many administrative requirements in the way of communities that want to build broadband networks. They must conduct feasibility studies to show the network will cash flow in the first year and that separate services will each cash flow separately. Wholesale-only networks are exempted from some of the above requirements.
Utah has some additional restrictions that cause significant headaches. Per Utah Code 10-18-302, "not more than 50% of the average annual debt service of all revenue bonds described in this section to provide service throughout the municipality or municipal entity may be paid from the revenues described in Subsection (3)(a)(ii)." Not being able to bond for more than 50% of the total cost of the network is crippling at best. One of the reasons UTOPIA has struggled so much is that the shared portions of the network ate up a significant chunk of the first round of money, yet that scale of project is required to effectively attract service providers. That UTOPIA manages to get anything done with this restriction is a small miracle.
Legislative Reference Explanations or commentary provided by MuniNetworks.orgStates with
Municipal Pre-emption Issues
Virginia
Washington
Statute: VA Code § 15.2-2108.6, VA Code § 56-265.4:456-484.7:1, and VA Code § 56-484.7:1
Short Explanation: Municipal electric utilities may offer telecommunications services (but not cable television) subject to a variety of reporting requirements and other hurdles not required of the private sector. Cable services may be only offered after showing the network will cash flow in the first year.
Commentary: Virginia's stringent requirements for a public entity to offer cable services are a de facto prohibition on publicly owned broadband networks (though BVU's OptiNet was grandfathered). By requiring unattainable cash flow requirements to offer cable services, communities are unable to build any modern high-speed broadband networks as they typically require the revenues generated by a triple-play offering.
In Virginia, two open access networks have been in operation for years despite the fact that the state was an early leader in making it difficult for local governments to get involved in telecommunications. nDanville (www.ndanville.net) is starting its third year of operation and has been very popular with businesses in the city of Danville, and The Wired Road (www.thewiredroad.net) has been in operation for eighteen months. Neither network has been challenged by incumbents because all services are provided by private sector companies, and the incumbents were all invited to use the networks. nDanville is owned and operated by the City, and The Wired Road is a regional authority with two counties and a small city (Galax) as the primary partners.
Statute: Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 54.16.330Short Explanation: Public Utility Districts may not provide telecommunications services directly to customers.
Commentary: The Washington approach of requiring a wholesale-only model severely limits community opportunities to build broadband networks because the wholesale-only model typically results in lower revenues than direct retail sales, which makes debt repayment more difficult.
15 VIRGINIA 73 27 5.8 1314 WASHINGTON 73 27 5.0 9.650 WEST VIRGINIA 42 58 7.8 1428 WISCONSIN 67 33 6.0 1140 WYOMING 61 39 11 24
STATE Network Name URL
AK AK20 Network
AL Alabama Research and Education Networ
AR Arkansas Research and Education Netwo
AZCA Cal-RENCO EAGLE-NetCT Connecticut Education Network (CEN)DE Department of Technology InformationFL Florida Lambda RailGA PeachNetHI Hawaii State Department of Education (HDOE)IA Iowa Communications NetworkID Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON)IL Illinois Century Network (ICN)IN Indiana Higher Education TelecommunicaKS Kansas Research and Education NetworkKY Kentucky Regional Optical NetworkLA Louisiana Education and Research Network (LEARNET)MA Massachusetts SEGP http://www.mecnet.net/ and http://www.umass-miti.net/ MITI represents higher ed and MEC k12
MD Maryland Research and Education NetwME Network MaineMI Merit NetworkMN Minnesota Statewide Education Group Network (MSEG)MO MOREnetMSMT METnetNC MCNCND StagenetNE Network Nebraska
NH NH K-12 Connectivity ConsortiumNJ NJEdgeNM New Mexico Council for Higher EducatioNV NevadaNetNY NYSERNetOH OarnetOK OneNetOR Network for Education and Research in
R&E Networks by State and CAI segments served : TotalCAIs
Updated May, 2011 -- Questions about the data below? Please contact James Werle, Director, Internet2 K20 Initiative [email protected] 360-499-2069 --
http://www.mecnet.net/ and http://www.umass-miti.net/ MITI represents higher ed and MEC k12 Paul KeleherGuy JonesJeff LetourneauElwood DowningMyron LoweJohn Gillespie
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