SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2443 FILED ON: 2/19/2021
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 58
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Adam G. Hinds
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act promoting universal access to broadband internet.
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PETITION OF:
Name: | District/Address: |
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Adam G. Hinds | Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden |
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Anne M. Gobi | Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex | 3/19/2021 |
Joanne M. Comerford | Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester | 4/15/2021 |
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2443 FILED ON: 2/19/2021
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 58
By Mr. Hinds, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 58) of Adam G. Hinds and Anne M. Gobi for legislation to promote universal access to broadband internet. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. |
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Second General Court
(2021-2022)
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An Act promoting universal access to broadband internet.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 1 of Chapter 25C of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding after the words "chapter 166A" the following words:- and for the regulation and development of advanced telecommunications technologies within the commonwealth.
For the purposes of this chapter, advanced telecommunications technologies shall include all media, technologies, and infrastructure that enable consumers to access high-quality voice, data, graphics, video and internet communications using any platform including, but not limited to, broadband and fiber-optic technologies.
SECTION 2. Said chapter 25C is hereby further amended by adding the following section:-
Section 9. Notwithstanding sections 6A and 8 of this chapter, or any other general or special law to the contrary, the department shall have the duties and powers as may be necessary or desired to accomplish the purposes of this section. The department shall guarantee access to advanced telecommunications technologies for all residents of the commonwealth at affordable costs. The department shall directly engage with telecommunications providers and other utility companies as needed to facilitate the connectivity of all Massachusetts residents. The department’s duties and powers shall include: (1) identifying underserved populations of the commonwealth and working with federal, state, municipal, and other partners to foster connectivity; (2) identifying public- and private-sector partners to support capital infrastructure improvements to enhance advanced telecommunications technologies; (3) providing oversight of advanced telecommunications service providers on matters including, but not limited to rates, internet speeds, data caps, and other issues that would inhibit access to advanced telecommunications technologies; and (4) other actions as deemed necessary by the department to facilitate universal connectivity. The department shall work in consultation with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, as established in section 6B of chapter 40J.
SECTION 3. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of telecommunications and cable shall promulgate regulations requiring that all advanced telecommunications technology providers offer, at minimum, one service option to consumers that allows for high-speed access to the internet at a cost to the consumer of not less than $20 per month, not including applicable taxes.