MS SB2798

Authorizes rate-regulated electric utilities to grant broadband service providers nonexclusive permission to use utility poles, lines, fiber-optic infrastructure, and other electric delivery system components to provide broadband services

Allows electric utilities (including cooperatives) to permit large retail customers with loads greater than 20 megawatts to construct fiber-optic infrastructure on the utility's existing rights-of-way

Declares that broadband use of existing utility easements does not constitute an additional burden on property, eliminating the need for utilities or broadband operators to obtain separate landowner consent

Establishes that landowners who believe their property was damaged by broadband use may petition circuit court for damages, but limits recovery to the difference in fair market value before and after broadband installation, recoverable only from the broadband operator (not the utility)

Requires the Public Service Commission to establish a mechanism for crediting electric utility customers annually for wholesale revenues derived from fiber-optic infrastructure