This year there have been many bills introduced in the General Assembly that address the issue of expanding broadband access in the State; HB 1328 takes a different approach from the rest. In addition to setting up a fund to provide grants to expand high-speed Internet access, the bill has a dig once provision to help cut the cost for Internet providers to install their infrastructure. Essentially, when certain construction projects are approved to open up a roadway the Internet providers may join the project to install Internet cable at a reduced cost. This also has a side benefit of reducing the amount of time that a roadway is disturbed if multiple entities are working in it at the same time. MML supports this bill, as does the Maryland Association of Counties.
For more information contact Bill Jorch, billj@mdmunicipal.org