CUB Urges Yes Vote on Oregon Broadband Bill (HB 4092)
Posted on January 26, 2022 by Charlotte Shuff
Tags, Telecommunications
CUB is engaging our readers to help advocate for this and other CUB priority bills in the 2022 Oregon legislative session. Learn about all the bills CUB is supporting and take action here!
As the world continues to move more and more online, access to broadband internet is a necessity. Too many Oregonians live in areas without access to high quality internet services. The Oregon Broadband Bill (HB 4092) will help Oregon receive federal funds to invest in broadband infrastructure across the state.
Soon, Oregon could receive $200 million from the federal government’s infrastructure package. But the state needs to meet certain requirements to receive that funding and to spend it effectively. This bill will ensure that we have a strong statewide infrastructure for statewide broadband services to keep Oregon connected.
The Broadband Bill will prepare the Oregon Broadband Office for the work ahead. HB 4092 will:
- Expand representation and oversight for communities
- Create an action plan for strategic broadband investments
- Establish a fund for libraries providing broadband access
- Work to expand broadband assistance
Expanding representation and oversight for communities
This bill will expand which communities are represented on the main oversight board, the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council. Members of the council would include representatives from Oregon tribes, rural communities, urban communities, libraries, and service providers. By focusing on a geographically diverse council, Oregon broadband investments will represent the needs of all Oregonians.
Creating an action plan for strategic broadband investments
HB 4092 directs the Oregon Broadband Office to develop two plans: the Broadband Action Plan and the Digital Equity Plan.
The Broadband Action Plan focuses on practical planning for spending money on new infrastructure. This plan sets priorities, goals, and schedules for investments.
The Digital Equity Plan focuses on the communities’ needs to close the digital divide. This plan includes devices and technology, digital literacy, privacy, cyber security, and more. By focusing on equity, this plan will help guide investments based on public needs and input.
Establishing a fund for libraries providing broadband access
This bill will establish the Connecting Oregon Libraries Fund. The fund will directly support libraries that provide internet access to the public. Many Oregonians cannot afford devices to connect to the internet, broadband services, or both. Libraries are an important tool for helping people get connected.
Working to expand broadband assistance
HB 4092 continues CUB’s efforts to expand broadband assistance through the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program. This bill calls for a study of the program to increase the amount of assistance available for broadband services. The study will also look into barriers that low-income customers face in accessing broadband services.
We need better broadband infrastructure so more Oregonians can connect to the internet where they live and work. CUB supports HB 4092 and urges legislators to vote “yes” on the Oregon Broadband bill.
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02/03/22 | 0 Comments | CUB Urges Yes Vote on Oregon Broadband Bill (HB 4092)