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Rep. Cole plan increasing opportunities for rural broadband expansion signed by governor
RELEASE|March 11, 2020

Proposals from state Rep. Triston Cole working to expand effective broadband services to more Michigan residents have been signed into law by the governor.

The measures will make it easier for electric cooperatives to use their existing infrastructure to get needed services such as high-speed internet to unserved areas – similar to cooperatives making electricity more readily available to unserved areas in the 1930s and 40s.

“When it comes to broadband service and high-speed internet, growth needs to be emphasized in more than just the concentrated areas of the state,” said Cole, of Mancelona, noting that service providers traditionally don’t consider rural areas to be cost-effective. “We’re not re-inventing the wheel. This is a creative adjustment within our laws to make sure no corner of the state is left behind as they compete for businesses, jobs, residents and growth. Getting these services to more people makes the entire state stronger.”

House Bill 4266, now Public Act 60 of 2020, codifies legal protections for state electric cooperatives to build and expand broadband networks on existing infrastructure and within existing easements.

The new law protects against legal issues other states have faced as they have tried to employ similar strategies. Because of the potential for litigation, progress has been stunted as cooperatives decide whether to risk building broadband infrastructure or update easements.

Corresponding legislation that was also signed – House Bill 5266, now Public Act 61 of 2020 – addresses pole attachments and ensures a level playing field for cooperatives and telecommunication providers for services.

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