Tennessee Senate Bill SB2851

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 6; Title 7; Title 13; Title 65; Title 67 and Title 68, relative to broadband services.

Impact

The legislation represents a significant shift in how broadband services can be delivered in Tennessee. It emphasizes local governance by empowering municipalities and cooperatives to take the initiative in expanding broadband infrastructure. Importantly, the bill addresses areas where commercial internet service providers may not be present or where service is inadequate, particularly in rural areas. This could lead to greater equity in internet access, which is increasingly seen as a critical service for education, business, and health services.

Summary

Senate Bill 2851, also known as the Broadband Expansion Act, aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to facilitate the provision of broadband services in under-served areas. The bill allows counties, municipalities, and cooperatives to offer telecommunication services, including high-speed internet, either independently or through partnerships with third-party entities. By setting a minimum standard for broadband speeds—100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads—the bill seeks to improve internet accessibility across various jurisdictions.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB 2851 has focused on concerns regarding the implications for existing service providers and the potential for increased government involvement in telecommunications. Supporters argue that the bill will enhance competition and drive down prices for consumers, while opponents worry that it may lead to an oversaturation of service provision in certain locations or create complications in regulatory oversight. This discourse highlights the tension between fostering local control and ensuring fair competition among providers.