Bill > S744

Introduced Session

This bill removes a requirement of law that limits the types of broadband telecommunications services, also known as wireless Internet service, that may be provided by a local unit. Specifically, the bill provides that local units would no longer be required to provide broadband telecommunications service through a wireless community network. Under current law, the governing body of a local unit, including counties, municipalities, and other local entities, is permitted to: (1) establish a related competitive business segment to: (i) construct, own, and operate broadband telecommunications infrastructure for the provision of broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network; or (ii) provide broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network; or (2) enter into a contract with a private entity to: (i) provide broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network; or (ii) construct, own, use, acquire, deliver, grant, operate, maintain, sell, purchase, lease, or equip broadband telecommunications infrastructure for the provision of broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network. These local units are also permitted to issue revenues bonds, pursuant to the "Local Bond Law" (N.J.S. 40A:2-1 et seq.), to pay for all or part of the costs of the infrastructure used for these purposes. By removing the requirement for broadband telecommunications service to be provided via wireless community networks, this bill would authorize a local unit to provide broadband telecommunications service in any manner that the local unit deems necessary, provided that the local unit otherwise complies with the requirements of State and federal law.

Committee Categories

Patrick Diegnan (D)*,  Parker Space (R)*, 

Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading (on 03/04/2024)

Official Document