Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 987

Bill Title: Public Service Commission - Broadband Internet Service

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegate Taylor, et al

Subject: Commercial Law

Committee: ECM

Bill Summary: This bill would require certain broadband providers to report quarterly to the PSC on their deployment and attributes of broadband service to a level of zip plus 4.

History: In 2007 HB 1069 was similar legislation that was heard by ECM, but withdrawn by the sponsor.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The MD Chamber opposes this bill because the PSC has no jurisdiction over broadband services, nor the companies that the bill seeks to regulate. Broadband is an Internet service that is regulated by the FCC, which already posts on their website broadband deployment data from their Form 477 filings. No purpose is served by requiring broadband providers to provide this additional data to the PSC.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.