MS HB1731

Authorizes the City of Okolona's governing authorities to establish, acquire, and own broadband affiliates to provide broadband services utilizing the city's electric delivery system in Chickasaw, Monroe, Lee, and Clay Counties.

Allows broadband affiliates or unaffiliated broadband operators to own, construct, and operate broadband systems on the city's electric infrastructure and provides the city discretion to grant exclusive broadband capacity access.

Requires the city to charge broadband affiliates pole attachment fees equal to those charged to unaffiliated private entities and prohibits subsidizing broadband services with electric revenue; permits capital investments and fair market rate loans to affiliates.

Mandates an economic feasibility study and adoption of a service plan covering the entire certificated area before broadband services begin and prohibits requiring customers to purchase broadband as a condition of receiving electric service.

Prohibits broadband installation from diminishing electric system reliability and prevents disconnection of electric service due to unpaid broadband bills.