Bill > H5290

This bill aims to speed up the rollout of broadband internet across the Commonwealth by streamlining the process for getting permits and ensuring fair access to the necessary infrastructure, such as poles and conduits, which are collectively referred to as "covered infrastructure." A key provision prioritizes "open access networks," a model where the physical infrastructure is shared by multiple internet service providers to encourage competition and lower costs. The bill mandates that any state or local funding for new broadband projects must support this open access model, and public or non-profit providers operating such networks will get preferential treatment for funding and access. It also requires owners of covered infrastructure, including municipalities and private companies, to grant broadband providers timely access, with decisions on access requests due within 30 days and any denials requiring written justification. Permitting processes will be standardized and expedited, with deadlines of 45 days for standard projects and 30 days for projects in underserved areas or historic districts. The bill introduces a "One-Touch Make-Ready" (OTMR) procedure, allowing broadband providers to complete all necessary work on poles in a single coordinated operation, and encourages a "Dig Once" policy where municipalities and state agencies include empty conduits during excavation projects for future broadband use. The Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) will oversee enforcement, with potential fines for non-compliance, and will also handle appeals for denied access or unreasonable delays. Finally, the DTC will report annually on broadband deployment progress, the implementation of open access networks, and enforcement actions.