SB 846 Summary

• Towns, cities, boroughs, fire districts, and the Department of Transportation receive one free "gain" (space) on each public utility pole or underground duct system for broadband service provision, either directly or through third-party commercial arrangements, with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority determining location and relocation.

• Private, for-profit companies using a municipality's gain must pay standard public utility pole administration and attachment fees.

• Public Utilities Regulatory Authority must adopt regulations by December 31, 2019 establishing procedures for pole attachments including one-touch make-ready processes, expedited overlashing procedures, a Connecticut Utility Pole Database, and nondiscriminatory installation of attachments within 90 days of application unless safety issues exist.

• Municipalities are authorized to establish a separate, nonlapsing "Enterprise Fund for Municipal Broadband Services" to receive and manage all revenues from broadband operations, including appropriations and funds from federal, state, municipal, and private sources.

• Section 1 and 2 take effect upon passage; Section 3 takes effect October 1, 2019.