Relating to a study by the Public Utility Commission of Texas of the effects that current laws, rules, and regulations of this state and its political subdivisions regarding pole attachments have on the expansion of broadband service.
Impact
The bill requires an assessment of various aspects of pole attachments, including the average time taken for electric cooperatives to approve new attachments and the relocation of obsolete poles. It promotes the development of a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by providers in executing pole attachments. This is essential as the infrastructure is critical for delivering high-speed internet access, especially in rural and underserved areas. The outcomes of this study could lead to new regulations or the modification of existing ones aimed at unblocking barriers faced by broadband service providers.
Summary
House Bill 3131 seeks to facilitate the expansion of broadband services in Texas by mandating a study conducted by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). This bill focuses on evaluating how current laws, rules, and regulations regarding pole attachments affect the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout the state. The intent is to identify bottlenecks in the approval process and to recommend ways to streamline the timeline for broadband providers seeking access to necessary infrastructure for their networks.
Conclusion
HB3131 is positioned within a broader national conversation about improving broadband access and infrastructure, particularly following the increased reliance on internet services during recent events such as the pandemic. The legislative environment surrounding this bill indicates a recognition of the importance of efficient broadband service delivery and the state's role in facilitating necessary infrastructure investments.
Contention
While the bill aims to improve broadband access, there may be points of contention regarding the extent of regulatory changes that it may necessitate. Stakeholders, including electric cooperatives, may have concerns about potential costs and operational impacts involved in expedited processes. Furthermore, the bill's effectiveness will largely depend on the findings of the study by the PUC, which could determine the future landscape of broadband services based on existing regulations and their adaptability.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Utilities Code
Chapter 181. Miscellaneous Powers And Duties Of Utilities
Section: 048
Chapter 252. Cable Attachments To Electric Cooperative's Distribution Poles
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region; increasing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the funding of projects by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to promote the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region.
Relating to information maintained by certain municipally owned utilities that provide electricity services and cable, Internet, or broadband services.