Tenn. Raises Broadband Standard; Okla. Exempts Streaming From Paying Local Fees

Tennessee will raise its minimum broadband speed standard to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, from 10/1 Mbps. Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed a broadband bill that would make that and other changes to broadband laws Friday. HB-1211 passed both legislative chambers unanimously last month (see 2304130043). Also Friday, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed a bill (SB-460) to exempt streaming and satellite video services from paying local franchise fees. Kansas approved a similar law last month (see 2304140045). In Vermont, the Senate passed a bill to extend a state telecom siting process by three years (see 2303230028). The House passed H-110 in March (see 2303230028) but must vote again to concur with a Senate amendment seeking a report on how to make it easier for municipalities and individuals to participate in the siting process.