Summary: Establishing Broadband Enhancement and Expansion Policies

The purpose of this bill is to establish Broadband Enhancement and Expansion Policies. The bill moves the existing Broadband Enhancement Council into a new chapter, and sets forth additional duties and responsibilities for the council. The bill additionally authorizes the establishment of cooperative associations for the purpose of obtaining internet services. It also establishes new policies and protocols for microtrenching and make-ready pole access. Finally, it makes it an unfair and deceptive practice for an internet service provider to advertise or contract for “up to” speeds. Source

Senate BIll 614

Summary: Relating to expansion of broadband service

All relating to the expansion of broadband service to unserved areas of West Virginia by providing loan insurance for commercial loans used for the expansion of broadband service to unserved or underserved areas; establishing limits and conditions on the insuring of loans; establishing interest rates; establishing amortization periods; providing for security interests; setting forth the responsibilities of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments and the Broadband Enhancement Council; providing that the members of the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments do not have a fiduciary responsibility with regard to the loans; providing for notice for loan insurance; providing for hearings and appeal; and making technical changes.

UPDATE: Frontier multi-million dollar settlement over service issues

ISPs Band Together, Fight West Virginia State-Funded Broadband Network