Neb. Lawmakers Float Muni Broadband, Telecom Equipment Bills

Nebraska legislators may consider allowing municipal broadband. Sen. Justin Wayne (D) introduced a bill (LB-26) Thursday that would allow municipal broadband on a retail or wholesale basis within its own jurisdiction if located in an underserved or unserved area. “A municipality may initiate the process of developing a broadband network by conducting a feasibility study and ordering the preparation of a resolution of intent to develop such broadband network … by a vote of the majority of the members of the governing body of the municipality,” it said. Under a separate state bill (LB-63) introduced Thursday by Sen. Eliot Bostar (D), Nebraska would withhold state USF support from any telecom company using equipment or services deemed to pose a national security threat. The proposed law would rely on a list published by the FCC Public Safety Bureau. Another Nebraska bill introduced Thursday would authorize licensing of dark fiber by any state agency or political subdivision. LB-61 by Sen. Tom Brandt (R) would also eliminate Nebraska Public Service Commission jurisdiction over certain violations and appeals.