Provides that municipal broadband service companies are authorized to provide broadband service to tenants in multi-family housing; provides that landlords shall not interfere with the installation of such service, demand or accept payment for allowing the service on the property, or discriminate in rental charges between tenants who receive broadband service and those that don't.
Impact
Should S07601 be enacted, it would significantly alter the existing landlord-tenant dynamics regarding internet service provision. The bill stipulates that landlords are prohibited from interfering with the installation processes of municipal broadband services, thereby ensuring that tenants can access these services without undue restrictions. This represents a shift towards recognizing internet access as an essential aspect of tenancy, offering tenants more autonomy in choosing their service providers.
Summary
Bill S07601 proposes amendments to the public service law concerning the provision of municipal broadband services in multi-family housing units. The bill aims to enhance access to high-speed internet by allowing municipal broadband service companies to provide their services directly to tenants living in such housing. This legislative effort acknowledges the increasing necessity for reliable internet access as a fundamental utility in modern living, particularly in light of the rising importance of digital connectivity for work, education, and social engagement.
Conclusion
Overall, S07601 reflects an important legislative step towards ensuring that internet service is available to all tenants in multi-family accommodations, aligning with broader efforts to address digital divides within communities. The bill’s success could foster greater collaboration between municipalities and broadband service providers, ultimately facilitating enhanced connectivity options that are essential for residents.
Contention
While the bill is primarily aimed at promoting greater accessibility to broadband services, it may raise concerns among landlords about their control over property regulations and the potential costs associated with installations. Additionally, there could be issues regarding the adequacy of infrastructure to support widespread broadband service installations and subsequent agreements with service providers. Critics may argue that further clarity is needed on how disputes would be resolved, especially if conflicts arise between landlords and service providers.
Same As
Provides that municipal broadband service companies are authorized to provide broadband service to tenants in multi-family housing; provides that landlords shall not interfere with the installation of such service, demand or accept payment for allowing the service on the property, or discriminate in rental charges between tenants who receive broadband service and those that don't.
Requires free internet service in households with students who live at or below the poverty level; directs broadband companies to install and/or upgrade broadband services in educational facilities.
Requires highway projects that receive state funding to include the installation of broadband conduits suitable for fiber optic cables or wireless facilities that support broadband services; provides for access to such conduits on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, for a charge not to exceed a cost-based rate.
Requires highway projects that receive state funding to include the installation of broadband conduits suitable for fiber optic cables or wireless facilities that support broadband services; provides for access to such conduits on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, for a charge not to exceed a cost-based rate.
Requires highway projects that receive state funding to include the installation of broadband conduits suitable for fiber optic cables or wireless facilities that support broadband services; provides for access to such conduits on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, for a charge not to exceed a cost-based rate.
Relates to attachments to utility poles for broadband service; provides that for a broadband internet provider that does not provide regulated telephone service, a pole owner shall not require such broadband internet provider to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity as a condition to making attachments to utility poles solely owned or jointly-owned by the pole owner.
Relates to attachments to utility poles for broadband service; provides that for a broadband internet provider that does not provide regulated telephone service, a pole owner shall not require such broadband internet provider to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity as a condition to making attachments to utility poles solely owned or jointly-owned by the pole owner.
Requires landlords to ensure rental properties are equipped with utility services prior to renting such properties; requires landlords to keep utility services connected in between tenants.