Technology (Broadband Access)

SB 571 requires large broadband providers (serving 10,000+ customers) in Maryland to establish a low-cost broadband program for eligible low-income residents by December 1, 2026. The program must offer at least 100 Mbps download speed (200 Mbps for households of three or more), 1.2 terabytes of data, and limit annual network outages to an average of 48 hours. Eligibility is defined by income (at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines) or participation in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or free school meals. Providers may adjust prices every three years by up to 2% or the Consumer Price Index change, with 30 days' notice to customers.

SB 605, the Broadband Accountability and Affordability Act, gives Maryland's Public Service Commission new authority to oversee broadband and VoIP services. It requires internet service providers (ISPs) to submit data on network reliability, outages, emergency plans, and pricing, and mandates the Commission to assess if these plans meet standards for resilience and safety. The Commission can conduct audits or require ISPs to fix issues if services are deemed unsafe or unreliable, and must report annually to the legislature on progress. This directly affects ISPs operating in Maryland and aims to improve the quality and reliability of broadband and VoIP services for consumers.

HB 1037 (Broadband Accountability and Affordability Act) gives Maryland's Public Service Commission authority to oversee broadband and internet-based phone service (VoIP), which it previously could not regulate. The bill requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to report on network reliability, outages, pricing, and emergency preparedness plans, and to maintain infrastructure meeting safety and reliability standards. The Commission can audit providers and order corrective actions if services are deemed unsafe, unreliable, or inadequate. ISPs must submit annual reports on progress, with the Commission reporting to the legislature each year starting in 2028 on improvements in service quality and network resilience.

HB 382 (Maryland Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act) requires broadband providers serving 10,000+ Maryland customers to establish low-cost internet programs by December 1, 2026. These programs must offer minimum speeds of 100/20 Mbps (for households of two or fewer) or 200/20 Mbps (for larger households), at least 1.2 terabytes of data, and low latency for eligible low-income consumers. Eligibility includes households meeting federal poverty guidelines (350% of federal poverty level), qualifying for SNAP/food assistance, Medicaid, or low-income energy programs. Providers may raise prices by no more than 2% annually with 30 days’ notice, and cannot require automatic payment plans for program enrollment.