Relating To Broadband Service Providers.
The bill is significant as it reflects a shift in how broadband availability data is collected and reported within Hawaii, commensurate with federal directives. By eliminating the requirement for detailed reports, the state aims to simplify the regulatory process for broadband providers, thereby potentially reducing administrative burdens and aligning state regulations with changing federal standards. However, this could also raise concerns regarding the availability and accuracy of broadband data, which is critical for understanding access inequalities across communities.
House Bill 1262, introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii, aims to amend the existing regulations governing broadband service providers within the state. Specifically, the bill proposes to repeal the current requirement for broadband service providers to submit census-block level informational reports. This change is being proposed to align with recent decisions made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which announced that it will sunset the requirement for providers to file broadband deployment information using a specific form (Form 477) by December 31, 2022. Consequently, the detailed data collection at the census-block level will no longer be necessary under state law.
While supporters may argue that this bill promotes a more streamlined process for broadband reporting, opponents could raise concerns about the potential loss of valuable, localized data that helps to identify areas with insufficient internet access. The elimination of these informational reports could hinder capacity for state and local authorities to effectively analyze and address gaps in broadband service provision, which is vital for equitable access to the internet. Hence, there exists a delicate balance between reducing regulatory burdens for service providers and ensuring sufficient oversight and data availability for consumer protection and infrastructure planning.