NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S2655

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2655

Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

Impact

The enactment of SB 2655 is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding municipal franchises, as it incorporates obligations for service providers to ensure that public libraries receive adequate internet services comparable to business-class standards. This initiative aims to support public learning and community resilience by ensuring that essential municipal buildings are equipped with reliable internet services, facilitating better access to information and online resources for citizens.

Summary

Senate Bill 2655, introduced on February 12, 2024, in New Jersey, mandates that cable television (CATV) companies provide free broadband internet service along with necessary equipment to public libraries and, in certain cases, to other municipal buildings. This requirement applies to both new applications and renewals of municipal franchises granted by the Board of Public Utilities. The intent of the bill is to enhance digital access to public resources and improve internet connectivity in community facilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 2655 may stem from concerns over the financial implications for CATV companies and the scope of their commitments under the proposed law. Critics might raise questions about the feasibility of implementing such mandates without additional burdens on service providers, particularly in financially strained municipalities. Proponents argue that the bill is a crucial step towards ensuring equitable access to technology, particularly in underserved areas, while opponents could cite potential increases in costs that may be passed on to consumers.

Latest S2655 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ A1470

Same As Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

NJ S1226

Carry Over Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

NJ A3135

Carry Over Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1226

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

NJ A3135

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

NJ A1470

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

NJ A508

Requires certain CATV companies to provide Internet service at public libraries with business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to public libraries' needs.

NJ A1785

Requires certain CATV companies to provide Internet service at public libraries with business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to public libraries' needs.

NJ A3068

Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

NJ A194

Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

NJ A193

Requires cable television companies to provide faster Internet access speed to certain customers.

NJ A204

Requires certain cable television companies renewing system-wide franchise to make cable television service available within certain municipalities.

NJ A2727

Requires CATV companies to prorate subscriber's CATV service bills, to provide notice to subscribers of certain information, and to annually file terms and conditions with BPU for review.

Similar Bills

NJ A3068

Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

NJ A194

Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

NJ A3135

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

NJ A1470

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

NJ S1226

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

NJ A508

Requires certain CATV companies to provide Internet service at public libraries with business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to public libraries' needs.

NJ A1785

Requires certain CATV companies to provide Internet service at public libraries with business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to public libraries' needs.

NJ A193

Requires cable television companies to provide faster Internet access speed to certain customers.