Oklahoma Joins States Eyeing Broadband by Electric Cooperative

A proposed Oklahoma law would set rules for electric cooperatives that provide telecom or internet services. Sen. James Leewright (R) prefiled SB-1002 for introduction when the Oklahoma session opens Feb. 4. It aims to keep telecom and electric units separate including by barring cross-subsidization between electricity and telecom services. Co-ops would have to charge reasonable, nondiscriminatory and commercially reasonable terms for pole attachments by telecom companies. They wouldn’t be allowed to provide video or cable TV service without a local franchise agreement. The bill would take effect Nov. 1. Also last week, the Mississippi House passed a bill supporting broadband by electric co-ops (see 1901160045), while Georgia House Republicans introduced HB-23.