Texas House Bill HB2907

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the reporting of broadband speeds by Internet service providers to the governor's broadband development council.

Impact

This bill is expected to impact the laws surrounding telecommunications in Texas by establishing requirements for ISPs to provide detailed reports about their service capabilities. By enabling a better understanding of broadband speeds available across different regions, the bill aims to help identify areas that are underserved or could benefit from enhanced broadband investment. Such insights could potentially lead to targeted strategies for improving internet access, particularly in rural and marginalized communities where broadband disparities are most pronounced.

Summary

House Bill 2907 is focused on enhancing transparency in broadband services within the state of Texas. Specifically, the bill mandates that Internet service providers (ISPs) report their broadband speeds to the governor's broadband development council. This reporting aims to ensure that the data gathered reflects a reasonable sample for assessing the quality of broadband access available to residents across the state. The legislation represents a continuing effort to improve broadband access and infrastructure, which has become increasingly critical as more services and activities move online.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to create an informed approach to broadband development, debates may arise concerning the implications for ISPs in terms of compliance and the accuracy of their reporting. There could also be discussions regarding privacy and data collection, as well as the adequacy of what constitutes a 'reasonable sample' for reporting purposes. Additionally, stakeholders may express differing opinions on whether the data collected will directly translate into actionable policies or improvements in internet service delivery across the state.