SENATE ECONOMIC GROWTH COMMITTEE
STATEMENT TO
SENATE, No. 744
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
DATED: MARCH 4, 2024
The Senate Economic Growth Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 744.
As reported, this bill removes a requirement of law that limits the types of broadband telecommunications services, also known as wireless Internet service, that may be provided by a local unit. Specifically, the bill provides that local units would no longer be required to provide broadband telecommunications service through a wireless community network. By removing the requirement for broadband telecommunications service to be provided via wireless community networks, this bill would authorize a local unit to provide broadband telecommunications service in any manner that the local unit deems necessary, provided that the local unit otherwise complies with the requirements of State and federal law.
Under current law, a local unit such as a county, municipality, and other local entities is permitted to: (1) establish a related competitive business segment to: (i) construct, own, or operate broadband telecommunications infrastructure for the provision of broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network; or (ii) provide broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network; or (2) enter into a contract with a private entity to: (i) provide broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network; or (ii) construct, own, use, acquire, deliver, grant, operate, maintain, sell, purchase, lease, or equip broadband telecommunications infrastructure for the provision of broadband telecommunications service via a wireless community network. Pursuant to current law, local units are also permitted to issue revenues bonds and to pay for all or part of the costs of the infrastructure used for these purposes.
This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.