H-949                _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 323

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1987 Regular Session

By Representatives Jacobsen, Todd, Nealey, Vekich, Unsoeld and Holm

Read first time 1/23/87 and referred to Committee on Trade & Economic Development. Referred to Committee on Ways & Means 2/13/87.

AN ACT Relating to telecommunications infrastructure planning for economic development; adding a new section to chapter 80.36 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that the telecommunications industry is becoming increasingly competitive.  Washington consumers face an array of choices in the long distance market, and potential pricing flexibility in the local market.  With this array of choices comes cost-based pricing and the potential of driving the cost of telecommunications out of reach for some segments of society.  The legislature has already stated its commitment to universal telephone service for the citizens of the state.  As we become an information-based society, the communications channels that serve us become part of the state's infrastructure.  They are our highways and pathways to progress.  No segment of this state must be unable to avail itself of communications facilities.  It is imperative that the legislature begin the development of policies that will be responsive to a new free-market telecommunications environment.  Therefore, the intent of section 2 of this act is to develop a state-wide infrastructure plan by conducting an inventory and needs assessment of telecommunications facilities in the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 80.36 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) The utilities and transportation commission shall develop a data base which can be used in developing a telecommunications infrastructure plan.  The data base shall consist of an inventory of telecommunications systems in each region of the state.  The inventory of each region shall include:

          (a) Telephone systems and fiber optic cables;

          (b) Cable television systems;

          (c) Terrestrial microwave transmissions;

          (d) Satellite communications;

          (e) Cellular radio and mobile phones;

          (f) Shared tenant telecommunications services;

          (g) Rights of way resources;

          (h) Broadcast radio and television systems;

          (i) Local area networks;

          (j) Low-powered television;

          (k) Subsidiary broadcast services;

          (l) Instructional fixed television services;

          (m) Multipoint distribution systems; and

          (n) Digital termination systems.

          (2) After completion of the inventory, the commission shall develop an assessment of needs.  The needs assessment shall include, but is not limited to, a determination of how telecommunications users in the state, such as consumers, business and industry, governmental entities, and the telecommunications industry, perceive their telecommunications needs for the next several years.  The purpose of the needs assessment is to determine whether the telecommunications facilities and services in the state are serving the needs of the state's residents.

          (3) The commission shall also, in the course of its analysis, address the link between telecommunications and economic development in the state and determine whether the quality and availability of telecommunications services in the various regions of the state may attract business to that particular region.

          (4) The commission shall report annually to the legislature on the information gathered under this section.  The report shall include recommendations on fulfilling unmet needs identified under subsection (2) of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     This act shall be known as the telecommunications infrastructure planning act.