Bill > H2346

This bill provides local municipalities in Massachusetts with the legal authority to own, operate, maintain, or manage their own broadband high-speed internet infrastructure and services, or contract with third parties to do so on their behalf. The legislation allows cities, towns, municipalities, and districts to establish internet services without being required to create a municipal lighting plant, which was previously a potential regulatory barrier. By enabling local governments to accept this provision through a specific statutory process (section 4 of chapter 4), the bill gives communities more flexibility in addressing local internet connectivity needs. This could be particularly beneficial for areas with limited or expensive internet service from existing private providers, as it allows municipalities to potentially create their own broadband networks to improve local internet access, potentially at lower costs or with better service quality. The bill represents a significant expansion of local government capabilities in telecommunications infrastructure.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2346