Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §7508 is enacted to read:

§7508.__Broadband Internet access service

To the extent permitted under federal law, the commission shall by rule or order require telecommunications providers subject to commission jurisdiction to provide high-speed broadband Internet access services to rural areas of the State that are comparable to those services provided in urban areas.

Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Public Utilities Commission to direct telecommunications carriers subject to commission jurisdiction to provide broadband Internet access services to rural areas of the State that are comparable to those services provided in urban areas.