SB 689 – County Broadband Authority

Primary Senate Sponsors: Sen. Lisa Barnes (R-Johnston, Nash); Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Yancey); Sen. Valerie Foushee (D-Chatham, Orange)

Summary

This bill:

  • Requires municipalities/membership corporations to replace a pole in any instance where the provider is granted access for the purpose of offering broadband services in an unserved area upon request by a communications service provider.
  • Authorizes counties to levy property taxes, subject to rate limitation, to provide grants to high-speed internet access service providers or to build facilities and equipment of a broadband service.
  • Authorizes counties to provide grants to private or nonprofit providers of high-speed Internet access service for the purpose of expanding service in the county.
  • Permits counties to construct Internet technology infrastructure capable of delivering high-speed Internet access service within the county.

Movement

Filed – 4/7/2021