Urging The Public Utilities Commission To Develop And Adopt An Efficient, Streamlined Process For Reviewing Electric Utilities' Requests To Provide Middle Mile Broadband Services In Furtherance Of The State's Efforts To Expedite Broadband Access And Equity And Promote Expeditious Broadband Deployment To Areas Of The State That Are Unserved And Underserved.
By advocating for a streamlined process, HCR118 could significantly impact state regulations governing the collaboration between electric utilities and internet service providers. The legislative push aims to leverage existing utility infrastructure that may be underutilized to bridge the gaps in broadband service. This approach could enable greater access to affordable broadband, particularly in remote areas that have been traditionally overlooked due to cost barriers associated with extending internet services into these regions.
House Concurrent Resolution 118 (HCR118) urges the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of Hawaii to develop an efficient and streamlined review process for requests from electric utilities to provide middle mile broadband services. The resolution emphasizes the importance of broadband equity highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the necessity for equitable access to telework, telemedicine, and remote learning opportunities throughout the state. HCR118 aligns with current national efforts to expand broadband coverage and strives to improve connectivity for underserved and unserved communities within Hawaii.
The general sentiment surrounding HCR118 appears to be positive, reflecting a strong desire among legislators to promote digital equity across Hawaii. Supporters believe that facilitating the use of electric utilities' telecommunications infrastructure for broadband deployment can create substantial benefits for residents, including enhanced access to educational resources and health services. However, the bill's success will depend on the effective execution of the proposed processes by the PUC and the cooperation of involved stakeholders.
Notable points of contention may arise from the implementation of this resolution, particularly concerning regulatory frameworks that govern electric utilities and telecommunications. Ensuring that the interests of consumers are protected while allowing utilities to partner with third-party ISPs could present challenges. It is essential for the PUC to create guidelines that effectively balance these interests to prevent any potential for abuse or prioritization of profits over the expansion of equitable broadband access.