35-A §9202-A. State broadband policy - Maine Statutes

Title 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES HEADING: PL 1987, C. 141, PT. A, §6 (NEW)

Part 7: TELECOMMUNICATIONS HEADING: PL 1987, C. 141, PT. A, §6 (NEW)

Chapter 93: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE HEADING: PL 2005, C. 665, §3 (NEW)

§9202-A. State broadband policy

1. Goal. It is the goal of the State that:

A. Broadband service become and remain, as nearly as possible, universally available in this State, including to all residential and business locations and community anchor institutions in the State; and [2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).]

B. A secure, reliable and sustainable forward-looking infrastructure that can meet future broadband needs is developed. [2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).]

[ 2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW) .]

2. Policy. It is the policy of the State to:

A. Maximize sustainable private investment in broadband infrastructure in the State and to promote broadband infrastructure deployment and availability to all individuals, businesses and institutions in this State, including those that require ultra high-speed Internet access; [2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).]

B. Maximize federal grant resources and private investment opportunities to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of the State in a manner consistent with paragraph A; [2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).]

C. Prioritize the use of state broadband resources to assist private infrastructure deployment in unserved and underserved areas of the State; [2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).]

D. Maximize the number of state permits and licenses that may be obtained or renewed online at rates equal to or less than the rates set for obtaining or renewing the permits or licenses in person; [2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).]

E. Increase the number of subscribers to broadband services in the State so as to ensure that all residents of the State are able to fully take advantage of the economic opportunities available through broadband Internet connectivity, including by:

(1) Educating residents of the State about the benefits and opportunities associated with broadband services, such as distance learning opportunities, opportunities in telemedicine, as defined in Title 24-A, section 4316, and state programs available online; and

(2) Educating small businesses regarding the advantages of broadband access, such as online business reporting and tax filings and national and global sales opportunities; and [2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).]

F. Seek to expand computer ownership and training in this State and ensure appropriate computer equipment is available for use by public school students. [2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).]

[ 2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW) .]

In order to facilitate the achievement of the goals and policies of this section, the authority shall establish and regularly update, after opportunity for public comment and taking into consideration relevant federal policies, a definition of "broadband." [2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

2009, c. 586, §1 (NEW).