SB 5483 - DIGEST

Authorizes a public utility district to construct, purchase, acquire, develop, finance, lease, license, handle, provide, add to, contract for, interconnect, alter, improve, repair, operate, and maintain telecommunications facilities for the provision of: (1) Retail telecommunications services and telecommunications facilities within the district; or

(2) Retail telecommunications services or telecommunications facilities outside of the district.

Authorizes a public utility district to provide retail telecommunications services: (1) By a majority vote of the district commission on a resolution; or

(2) On petition to the district commission signed by registered voters equal to no less than ten percent of the qualified electors of the county based on the total vote cast in the last general county election.

Directs the utilities and transportation commission to require a telecommunications services company, that provides access to the internet, to disclose in writing on the consumer billing statement: (1) The average internet speeds available to the consumer;

(2) The availability of telecommunications services; and

(3) Data use, when the telecommunications company imposes an additional charge to the consumer for the use.

Creates the broadband office within the department of commerce and places responsibility with the office for matters regarding the adoption and deployment of broadband throughout the state.

Requires the department of commerce to convene an advisory group on broadband deployment and adoption to focus on underserved and unserved areas of the state.