Last year, I authored legislation creating the Rural Broadband Expansion Act, which called for the creation of the Oklahoma Rural Broadband Expansion Council to study rural access in our state.
As chair of the Senate’s Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee, I knew it was holding us back in terms of economic development and job creation, because one of the first things companies looking at Oklahoma wanted to know was, “how is your connectivity?” Unfortunately, Oklahoma was ranked 47th in the nation in rural broadband access.
The legislation passed, and I currently serve as co-chair of the Rural Broadband Expansion Council. As we’ve met over the past several months, we’ve worked to identify ways to ensure better access, and as part of that effort, I am Senate principal author of several measures this session which are currently moving through the Legislature.
HB 2928 would require each broadband service provider operating in the state to submit a report containing its broadband network area coverage map to the Corporation Commission.
HB 2779 relates to rural electric cooperative easements. The legislation would provide for the use of certain easements for broadband service.
HB 2040 would provide a sales tax rebate for certain electronic equipment by broadband providers for 25 percent of the costs of the installation, construction, or other improvements or additions of telecommunications infrastructure that result in the provision or expansion of broadband service in rural areas that are defined as unserved or underserved by the Rural Broadband Expansion Council.
HB 1124 would establish the State Broadband Deployment Grant Program, which would include development of a competitive grant program to award funding to applicants seeking to expand access to broadband.
SB 802 would expand the Rural Broadband Expansion Council to include a fixed wireless internet service provider (WISP), a Tribal Nation member, and a current or former mayor of a municipality with a population of less than 25,000. It also clarifies definitions related to the terms broadband and under served.
We also have several measures moving through the Legislature to allow existing easements held by rural electric cooperatives to be used to provide broadband service and address other related issues.
The need to address rural broadband access has only been elevated this past year as the pandemic increased the need—we’ve seen it as schools, businesses and government entities moved online in order limit the spread of COVID-19. But even as we emerge from the pandemic, I predict the demand for broadband will only continue to grow.
This is a complex issue requiring a comprehensive approach in terms of policy and legislation. It’s a top priority for me as we continue to work to ensure rural Oklahomans have the broadband access they need and deserve.
I thank you for the privilege of being your voice at the State Capitol. If you have any questions or concerns about legislation or other issues at the state level, please feel free to contact my office by calling 405-521-5528, or email James.Leewright@oksenate.gov.