SB 5120 - DIGEST

Provides that the department of community, trade, and economic development shall commission a survey on the deployment of broadband technologies among households in the state. The survey shall be conducted by an appropriate entity having expertise in the access and utilization of modern information technologies among underserved populations.

Requires the survey to collect and interpret statistically reliable geographic, demographic, and telecommunications technology information to identify any broadband deployment disparities in the state. The survey shall also produce a statistically reliable profile of the following: (1) Households and businesses in the state with no available broadband options;

(2) Households and businesses in the state with access to broadband options, but who choose not to purchase an option; and
(3) Purposes for which broadband is used by households and businesses in the state.

Provides that the survey is due by December 31, 2007, and shall be presented to the appropriate committees of the legislature having jurisdiction over telecommunications issues.

Appropriates the sum of one hundred sixty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purpose of commissioning a survey on the deployment of broadband technologies among households in the state in accordance with the provisions of this act.