An Act to streamline broadband permitting and ensure equitable access to infrastructure
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to make it easier to build broadband internet infrastructure in Massachusetts and ensure that everyone has access to it. It focuses on speeding up the permitting process for broadband projects, encouraging the use of open access network models, and ensuring fair access to existing infrastructure like poles and conduits. The bill also includes provisions to coordinate construction efforts and promote the ‘dig once’ policy to avoid repeated excavation.
Key provisions
- Prioritizes investment in open access broadband networks.
- Establishes a standardized permitting process for broadband infrastructure with expedited timelines.
- Requires pole owners to adopt ‘One-Touch Make-Ready’ procedures.
- Mandates municipalities to consider ‘Dig Once’ policies for excavation projects.
- Creates a registry of qualified contractors for OTMR work.
- Sets timelines for access requests and denials.
- Establishes cost-based fees for infrastructure access.
- Requires annual reporting on broadband deployment and open access network implementation.
Who is affected
- Broadband providers
- Municipalities
- State agencies
- Telecommunications companies
- Residents of Massachusetts
Notable changes
- Prioritizes open access network models over exclusive agreements.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
8 on record
Primary sponsor
Utilities and Energy Joint Committee on Telecommunications
Cosponsors
Christopher Hendricks
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