AR SB1045

Establishes the "Broadband Provider of Last Resort Act" in Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 17, creating obligations for providers to deliver broadband service at minimum 4 Mbps upon customer request within their service area.

Designates incumbent local exchange carriers as providers of last resort, allowing them to meet obligations using any available technology, including approved alternative technologies that don't require public rights-of-way.

Requires exiting providers to give 60 days' advance notice to the Arkansas Public Service Commission and affected customers before ceasing service or filing for bankruptcy, and holds them liable for all transition costs.

Authorizes the Public Service Commission to relieve a designated provider of last resort obligations if another provider installs adequate broadband facilities, and to designate that provider as the new provider of last resort.

Allows the commission to declare emergencies and expedite succession proceedings when a carrier abandons facilities, and grants successor providers temporary exemptions from network unbundling and service resale obligations while they build out infrastructure.