HB 2140 - DIGEST

     Finds that economic development is increasingly dependent upon the existence of an advanced telecommunications and information infrastructure.   For a healthy economy, businesses located in rural locations need access to advanced telecommunications and information services at rates and standards of quality that are reasonably comparable to rates and standards of quality that are offered in urban areas.

     Declares that public policy should provide tax incentives to encourage private investment in advanced telecommunications and information infrastructure so that the benefits of competition in telecommunications, advanced telecommunications, and information services reach not only urban areas but also other areas of the state on a reasonably comparable and timely basis.