FIBER NC Act (H431) Summary

• Counties may install and lease broadband infrastructure to private providers if they have more than 4.75% unserved areas or a major military installation, after conducting a feasibility study and holding a public hearing.

• Cities with at least 60% of population in qualifying counties may install and lease broadband infrastructure to private providers under the same conditions as counties.

• Broadband infrastructure leases must be for up to 25 years on technology-neutral terms, open to similarly situated providers, and awarded through a competitive request for proposals process published at least 30 days in advance.

• Counties may provide grants to private broadband providers for expanding service in unserved areas using unrestricted general fund revenue, on a technology-neutral basis.

• Broadband infrastructure installed by counties or cities under this act cannot be used to provide direct communication services to consumers; it must be leased to private providers for service delivery.