Directs the department of public service to study and report on the current status of cable television systems providing services over fiberoptic cables

1 Co-sponsor

• Tony Avella

BILL NUMBER:S2778

Title of bill

An act to authorize and direct the department of public service to study and report on the current status of cable television systems operating and providing services to the customer premises over fiberoptic cables

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill directs the Public Service Commission (PSC) to study and produce a report on the current status of cable television systems providing services over fiber optic cable. The study shall include total number of franchises that provide such service; a demographic analysis of the municipalities where they are provided; a similar analysis of the racial, ethnic and income character- istics of each of these municipalities; a similar demographic analysis of municipalities that do not have access to such service; and a demo- graphic analysis by county and region defined by Empire State Develop- ment Corporation of the areas that do have such service and those that do not have access to such service.

Justification

It is imperative that residents and businesses through- out the state have access to up-to-date broadband service. This bill will require the PSC to produce a study to identify the places where this is not the case. This information is necessary in order to address the deficiencies.

Prior legislative history

2012: S.4506 - Energy & Telecommunications/A.6268 - Died at 3rd Reading 2011: S.4506 - Energy & Telecommunications/A.6268 - Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications to state and local government

None.

Effective date

Immediately.