HB298 Summary

• Increases minimum broadband service threshold from 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload to 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload speeds.

• Expands grant program eligibility to include governmental entities in addition to non-governmental entities, requiring all applicants to have submitted broadband service availability data to Alabama's broadband mapping program within the past year.

• Increases maximum grant awards for unserved areas from 35% of project costs or $1,500,000 to 80% of project costs or $5,000,000.

• Requires all federal and state grant funds to be distributed according to the statewide connectivity plan and establishes new grant award criteria prioritizing Alabama-based organizations and projects offering digital literacy programs.

• Revises grant application process to establish 60-to-90 day application windows with exceptions for 30-day windows when required by other funding sources, and allows existing service providers 30 days to file objections to project eligibility after publication.