ASSEMBLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 92

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 19, 2020

      The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee reports favorably Assembly Resolution No. 92.

      As reported, this resolution respectfully urges Congress to pass House Bill No. 2785 of 2019-2020, known as the “Community Broadband Act of 2019.” Access to the Internet is becoming recognized as an integral part of American life, but some communities are underserved by private broadband Internet service providers. Communities that lack broadband Internet access face disadvantages in many areas, including economic growth, education, health care, public safety, and energy. To address this deficiency, some communities have established community broadband Internet networks, which are administered by counties or municipalities and deliver fast, affordable, and reliable broadband Internet service. This resolution supports Congress in ensuring that states should not preclude communities from exploring all options available for the provision of broadband Internet service to its residents and businesses.