HB189 Alabama 2022 Session

Under the Connect Alabama Act of 2021, the minimum service threshold for Internet is defined as the minimum speed necessary to meet certain federal requirements

This bill would increase the minimum service threshold for Internet under the act to at least 100 megabits per second downstream and 20 megabits per second upstream

This bill would authorize the Alabama Digital Expansion Division chief to enter into nondisclosure agreements to protect provider-specific information unless release of the information is expressly authorized by the service provider

Under existing law, the Alabama Digital Expansion Division is required to use 70 percent of funds received by the Connect Alabama Fund to extend last-mile infrastructure in unserved areas

This bill would allow for all funds received by the Connect Alabama Fund to be used to extend last-mile infrastructure in unserved areas and for middle mile and line extension programs

This bill would also allow for the program funds to be modified annually by a recommendation from the Alabama Digital Expansion Division and approval by the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority

Relating to the Connect Alabama Act of 2021; to amend Sections 41-23-271, 41-23-273, and 41-23-274, Code of Alabama 1975; and to specify the minimum service threshold; to authorize the Alabama Digital Expansion Division chief to enter nondisclosure agreements; and to revise the expenditure of the Connect Alabama Fund and allow for annual revision of the program funds.