Bill > H3974

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable to work proactively to improve cellular coverage across the entire state. Specifically, the bill mandates that the department consult with cell phone carriers to identify necessary infrastructure improvements for providing cellular service to all state residents. The department is also tasked with identifying state or municipal-owned land that could be sold, leased, or licensed to cell phone carriers at low or no cost, with the goal of constructing additional cell towers or antenna sites in areas currently lacking cellular coverage. If no suitable government-owned land exists in these underserved areas, the department is directed to explore purchasing or leasing parcels specifically for this purpose. The bill sets a clear deadline of January 1, 2030, by which the department must ensure that all Massachusetts residents can access cellular coverage on their mobile devices, regardless of their location. Additionally, the department is required to submit a comprehensive progress report to legislative committees by July 30, 2026, detailing its infrastructure improvement plan, identified land opportunities, and progress toward achieving universal cellular coverage.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3974