NC H957

Establishes the North Carolina Rural Broadband Authority as a nine-member state agency to investigate and facilitate broadband deployment in unserved areas through surveys, negotiations with providers, and feasibility assessments.

Authorizes formation of broadband membership corporations (non-profit entities) in unserved communities with minimum three members, subject to Authority approval after area feasibility determination.

Grants broadband membership corporations powers to acquire property, provide service, issue bonds, fix rates, and exercise eminent domain for broadband infrastructure rights-of-way pursuant to Chapter 40A procedures.

Imposes quarterly regulatory fees on broadband membership corporations at the greater of a rate set by General Assembly based on customer connections or 25 cents per customer connection, deposited in the North Carolina Rural Broadband Authority Fund.

Allows corporations to consolidate or merge with two-thirds member approval and 75% bondholder consent; exempts corporations from income tax but subjects them to other state and local taxes applicable to telecommunications providers.