Bill > A2140

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the "Community Broadband Study Commission." The commission is to evaluate the feasibility of establishing community broadband networks in this State and is responsible for the following: (1) considering whether leasing or purchasing established broadband infrastructure, such as unused fiber optic cable, is more advantageous in creating a faster network; (2) considering whether establishing a community broadband municipal or county agency or a non-profit corporation is more appropriate to administer the community broadband network; (3) evaluating the different methods, including legislation and contracts with private companies, that other municipalities or counties in this country have used to implement community broadband networks; (4) determining the most cost effective method in which to establish community broadband networks, with a cost estimate for the local government and a rate estimate for paying customers; and (5) exploring all possible federal, State, and private funding sources for the establishment of community broadband networks in the State. The commission is to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year following the first meeting of the commission. The commission and this act expire upon the submission of the commission's report.

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Nicholas Chiaravalloti (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (on 01/09/2018)