Hawaii Senate Bill SCR120

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/5/22
• Engrossed: 4/6/22
• Refer: 4/7/22
• Report Pass: 4/18/22
• Refer: 4/18/22
• Report Pass: 4/25/22
• Passed: 5/5/22

Caption

Urging The Public Utilities Commission To Consider And Adopt An Efficient, Streamlined Process To Review Requests Made By Electric Utilities To Provide Middle Mile Broadband Services In Furtherance Of The State's Efforts To Expedite Broadband Access And Equity, Facilitate Digital Equity, And Promote Expeditious Broadband Deployment To Unserved And Underserved Areas.

Impact

The resolution impacts the regulatory framework governing the electric utilities in Hawaii by urging the Public Utilities Commission to consider implementing an efficient system for evaluating requests from electric utilities wishing to enter the middle mile broadband market. This could open pathways for leveraging existing electrical infrastructure to provide essential internet services, particularly in regions where internet service providers face economic constraints in delivering services independently.

Summary

SCR120 encourages the Public Utilities Commission of Hawaii to establish a streamlined process for electric utilities to provide middle mile broadband services. This initiative aims to promote equitable access to broadband as part of the state's efforts to address the challenges imposed by the digital divide, especially as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill underscores the importance of making broadband services accessible to unserved and underserved communities, facilitating opportunities in telework, telemedicine, and education.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR120 appears to be largely supportive among legislators, especially in light of the pandemic's revelation of broadband inequities. Stakeholders view it as a positive step towards ensuring that more people can access vital digital resources. However, there are concerns about maintaining competition within the telecommunications industry and ensuring that the implementation of these changes does not disadvantage current broadband providers.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the concern that introducing middle mile broadband services through electric utilities could disrupt competition in the telecommunications market. There is a need to balance the expedited process with adequate protections for consumers and existing market players. The resolution suggests a potential for regulatory oversight to ensure that electric utilities do not favor themselves or their affiliates in the provision of these services.