Bill > SB5383

This bill authorizes public utility districts and port districts to provide retail telecommunications services in unserved areas under certain conditions. The key provisions include: - Public utility districts and port districts may provide retail telecommunications services to end users in areas that lack access to broadband of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds. - Districts must notify and consult with the governor's statewide broadband office, and submit a telecommunications infrastructure and service plan detailing how they will deploy broadband to meet state speed goals. - Districts may use state or federal funds dedicated for unserved areas to fund these projects, and must operate an "open access network" that allows other providers to use the infrastructure. - The bill also requires the statewide broadband office to report to the legislature on the provision of retail services by districts in unserved areas. The goal of this bill is to increase broadband access and address the digital divide in underserved parts of Washington state by allowing public utility and port districts to directly provide retail telecommunications services.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5383&Year=2021&Initiative=false