Broadband Deployment Level Playing Field

Telecommunications - broadband deployment grants - application process - incumbent's right of first refusal. Upon receiving a telecommunications provider's application for grant funding of a proposed project to provide access to a broadband network in an unserved area of the state, the broadband deployment board must allow an incumbent telecommunications provider in the unserved area the right of first refusal with regard to implementing a broadband deployment project for the unserved area. The board is required to develop criteria regarding an incumbent telecommunications provider's exercise of its right of first refusal.

The act requires that the broadband deployment board's criteria include requirements that an incumbent telecommunications provider exercising its right to implement a broadband deployment project for the unserved area agree to provide demonstrated downstream and upstream speeds equal to or faster than the speeds indicated in the applicant's proposed project and at a cost per household that is equal to or less than the cost per household indicated in the applicant's proposed project.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)