Connecticut Senate Bill SB00331

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/16
• Refer: 2/26/16

Caption

An Act Establishing A High-speed Internet Service Pilot Program.

Impact

Should this bill pass, it could significantly enhance the technological landscape of Connecticut's municipalities by improving access to high-speed internet, which is increasingly viewed as essential for economic growth, education, health care, and public safety. The pilot program is designed to support collaborative proposals from municipalities, including partnerships with private entities like internet service providers and nonprofit organizations. This collaborative approach may foster a more strategic use of resources in addressing the digital divide prevalent in many regions.

Summary

SB00331 aims to establish a high-speed internet service pilot program, tasked with the development of updated infrastructure that can provide high-speed internet access across municipalities. The bill defines high-speed internet as data communication services capable of sustaining transmission speeds of at least one gigabit per second, with potential scalability to ten gigabits per second as demand increases. Through this initiative, various municipalities can apply for grants to fund their projects aimed at improving internet access, particularly in areas currently underserved by existing service providers.

Contention

While the bill has garnered attention for its potential benefits, there is a concern about the equity of funding distribution and whether the grant criteria might inadvertently favor certain demographics or municipalities over others. This concern is amplified by the requirement that projects demonstrate the ability to secure matching or exceeding funds, which might disadvantage less wealthy municipalities or communities with fewer resources. Furthermore, the need for continual reporting over several years could create additional administrative burdens for smaller municipalities.