Broadband bill introduced

February 5, 2015

Legislation has been introduced in both the House (HSB 104) and Senate (SSB 1146) to provide for expansion of broadband access across the state.  The bill introduced by the Governor’s office seeks to identify “targeted service areas” that are defined as areas where no communications service provider offers or facilitates broadband service at or above 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload speed. The bill establishes a $5 million grant fund for service providers to eliminate or reduce targeted service areas for the first year and provides property tax breaks and expedites the permitting process for broadband infrastructure. An Iowa House Commerce subcommittee heard from interested parties on Thursday morning. As you know, many organizations, including ABI, are interested in this legislation and will continue to provide input on the proper way to go.