Corporation Commission; creating the Facilitating Internet Broadband Rural Expansion (FIBRE) Act; effective date.
The provisions of HB 3835 will specifically impact the ways in which telecommunications and broadband services can be deployed in rural areas of Oklahoma. It sets a maximum attachment rate formula that is intended to be fair to both electric cooperatives and service providers. The bill also includes a 'One Dollar Deal' that caps annual attachment fees for new installations to encourage investment in infrastructure necessary for broadband internet service. By doing so, it is anticipated that the bill will help increase connectivity in areas that have historically been neglected in terms of broadband access.
House Bill 3835, also known as the Facilitating Internet Broadband Rural Expansion (FIBRE) Act, aims to improve broadband access in rural Oklahoma by establishing a framework for pole attachment agreements between rural electric cooperatives and communications service providers. The bill requires these agreements to be based on a formula that determines maximum pole attachment rates, thereby reducing costs for telecommunications companies that wish to use electric poles for broadband deployment. The notion is that by lowering financial barriers, more companies will extend their services into underserved rural areas, improving overall internet accessibility.
The sentiment surrounding HB 3835 appears generally positive, particularly among proponents who argue that low-cost access to pole attachment will facilitate broadband rollout in rural communities. Advocates emphasize the importance of equitable access to technology and the internet as essential services akin to utilities. However, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of such low rates and whether they will adequately cover the costs incurred by electric cooperatives. Critics suggest that while the bill aims to solve access issues, it may compromise the financial viability of cooperative utilities in the long run.
Notable points of contention include the balance between providing affordable broadband access and protecting the interests of rural electric cooperatives that may face reduced revenue from pole attachments. The bill also outlines penalties for non-compliance in reporting service performance and adherence to the agreement terms, raising questions about enforcement and oversight. It positions the Oklahoma district courts with authority to handle disputes related to pole attachments, which introduces an additional layer of legal scrutiny. The potential disclosure of proprietary business information as part of any dispute could lead to further complications.