SB90 Summary

• Increases minimum service threshold from 10 Mbps downstream/1 Mbps upstream to 25 Mbps downstream/3 Mbps upstream for broadband connections in unserved areas.

• Raises individual grant maximums from 20% to 35% of project costs, with tier-based funding up to $1.5 million for projects meeting the higher service standards.

• Expands grant eligibility to include middle mile projects and projects serving specific hospitals, public schools, public safety facilities, and economic development sites in rural areas, subject to a 40% annual cap on these types of grants.

• Allows state grant funding to be combined with federal support (excluding interest-bearing loans) up to 60% of total project costs, permitting use of funds to supplement federally-funded projects to achieve faster broadband speeds.

• Reduces grant application window from 150 days to 90 days and establishes the Alabama Rural Broadband Oversight Committee to monitor program implementation and recommend statutory improvements.