Requires that state contracts only be with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality; establishes a revolving fund for the establishment of municipal internet service providers; appropriates $250 million therefor.
This bill requires New York broadband providers to offer high-speed internet service at $5 per month to eligible low-income households. Eligibility includes households receiving free/reduced school meals, meeting income thresholds (185% of federal poverty level), or enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or certain rent assistance programs. The service must provide minimum speeds of 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload, with providers required to advertise the program and submit annual compliance reports to the state. Violations could result in $1,000 fines per incident.
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.
This bill (S 1214) requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a study on improving broadband access across the state. The study must examine current internet speeds, regulatory barriers, successful policies from other states, potential public-private partnerships, and federal recommendations. The Commission must complete the study within 180 days of the bill's effective date and submit a final report to state leaders and post it online. The bill directly affects the Public Service Commission's responsibilities and will inform future decisions about broadband infrastructure. It does not create new regulations or funding but sets a process for evaluating solutions.
This bill requires broadband providers operating in cities with populations of one million or more (like New York City) to pay cities for using public streets and sidewalks to install their networks. The payment amount is calculated per foot of line using a formula based on historical cable franchise fees from 2012. It also allows these cities to set additional rules to ensure universal internet access, public safety, and service quality. The bill establishes the financial terms for broadband operations in large cities without creating new franchises.
This bill requires owners and operators of large cell towers (called "macro cell tower sites") in New York to install backup power systems capable of keeping towers running for at least 72 hours during power outages. The backup must use renewable energy, fuel cells, or energy storage, but existing towers with backup power do not need immediate upgrades until their current system requires replacement. It specifically applies to large outdoor towers providing wide-area service, excluding small cell systems or rooftop installations. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Provides for real property tax exemptions for last mile broadband infrastructure constructed, altered, installed or improved in an area designated a broadband opportunity area.
Relates to instituting internet service neutrality; provides the public service commission with jurisdiction over monitoring broadband internet service providers; requires a certification for internet service neutrality in certain state contracts.
Enacts the "omnibus telecommunications reform act"; reforms the competitive cable service; promotes the wide-spread development of high-capacity broadband internet access; increases the availability and quality of services in this key economic development area; ensures the safety, reliability and affordability of telecommunications services.
Authorizes two or more contiguous municipalities to create a broadband union district for the creation, administration, and maintenance of broadband infrastructure and services within such district; provides for governance, funding, powers, limitations, and related provisions for broadband union districts.
