SB438 Summary

• Removes geographic service area restrictions for municipalities and municipal instrumentalities providing cable systems, telecommunications equipment, and related services.

• Allows public providers to furnish cable service, interactive computer service, Internet access, other Internet services, advanced telecommunications service, and financial services without coverage area limitations.

• Requires public providers offering telecommunications services to grant nondiscriminatory access to telecommunications equipment on an unbundled basis to requesting telecommunications carriers and electric cooperatives at just and reasonable rates.

• Permits public providers to lease unused cable and telecommunications equipment to third parties and couple leases with provision of cable, Internet, and telecommunications services for up to 25-year terms.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.