Texas State Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson, R-Waco, filed two bills this legislative session that aim to increase broadband access for people who live where access to reliable internet service is limited, largely in rural areas. The proposals “call for the creation of a broadband office in the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the establishment of a grant program to support public or private broadband investment. Anderson’s plan would also include coordination between the broadband office and the Texas Department of Transportation and require reports to the Legislature about the office’s progress.”
Rural broadband bills clear Georgia House committee
A Georgia House committee approved legislation Monday authorizing nonprofit telephone companies and electric membership corporations (EMCs) to provide broadband service in rural Georgia. Over a span of two years, the House Rural Development Council held hearings in rural counties ...
House approves Broadband Expansion Act
During a Monday floor session vote, the West Virginia House of Delegates gave overwhelming approval to the Broadband Expansion Act of 2019. House Bill 2005 was approved 97-1 and sent to the state Senate for consideration. "Broadband development and expansion is absolutely critical...
Microsoft, others combine to push rural broadband solutions
Microsoft, which has been pushing the use of TV white spaces to close the rural broadband divide, has joined with C Spire, Airspan Networks, Nokia and Siklu to form a coalition to come up with a "disruptive blueprint to close the adoption gap." The consortium will use Mississippi ...
Broadband internet coming to rural areas in eastern Washington
Through a bill passed by Washington’s State House last year that "provides internet and broadband connection to more rural areas across Washington state," the Port of Garfield will soon be receiving broadband internet connection. Diana Ruchert, Port of Garfield Manager, note...
West Virginia Broadband Day focuses on expansion effort
Last Wednesday was West Virginia Broadband Day at the Legislature, in which the House of Delegates and the Senate "recognized the importance of broadband advancements, access and expansions while a variety of displays were available for visitors." Sen. Greg Boso, R-Nicholas, said ...
Broadband work nearing the end in Jonesborough
BrightRidge crews are nearing completion of work to the utility’s broadband infrastructure in downtown Jonesborough, TN. Stacy Evans, BrightRidge’s chief broadband officer, said last week that improvements to underground fiber optics along Main Street should be wrapped...