Relating to the authority of certain telecommunications providers to commit to making infrastructure and network improvements in exchange for support from the universal service fund; adding provisions subject to a criminal penalty.
Impact
If enacted, HB 2796 will have significant implications for telecommunications policy and rural development in Texas. The bill sets forth expectations for electing providers, including the obligation to create a five-year infrastructure investment plan emphasizing the needs of both residents and local businesses. The outlined commitments could lead to improved service quality, coverage, and broadband speeds in areas where such services have previously lagged. Moreover, the bill includes provisions to allow for the waiver of certain infrastructure commitments, ensuring flexibility in meeting service demands without overdemanding the resources of smaller companies. Overall, the bill aims to create a more dependable telecommunications framework conducive to rural area growth.
Summary
House Bill 2796 aims to enhance telecommunications services in rural Texas by enabling certain telecommunications providers to commit to making infrastructure and network improvements in exchange for financial support from the Universal Service Fund. The bill recognizes the unique challenges faced by rural telecommunications services compared to urban areas, seeking to bridge the gap in service access and quality. By establishing the Rural Advanced Plan for Infrastructure Deployment, the bill outlines a specific framework for small providers to enhance their networks and offer advanced telecommunications services comparable to those available in urban regions. This legislative measure intends to provide routine service and support to rural entities, thereby promoting economic growth and utilization of technologies, including telemedicine and broadband services.
Contention
While the proponents of HB 2796 argue that the bill is a critical step towards fostering equitable telecommunications access in rural areas, concerns may arise regarding the accountability of the telecommunications providers and the effective use of support funds from the Universal Service Fund. There is potential contention around the measure of success of the stated improvements, especially given that providers will be required to prepare public accountability reports. Critics may also voice concerns regarding how effectively these enhancements can occur given the economic constraints faced by smaller rural providers, and whether the bill's mechanisms will truly lead to substantive changes in service delivery.
Relating to the expiration date for support from a program of the universal service fund to certain competitive eligible telecommunications providers serving deregulated areas.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the Texas Connectivity Fund and to the allocation and the use of certain proceeds from the imposition of state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the authority of certain telecommunications providers to commit to making infrastructure and network improvements in exchange for support from the universal service fund.