Technology (Telecommunications)

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3527: An Act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers

By Representative Mendes of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3527) of Rita A. Mendes relative to broadband service for low-income consumers. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyPreserves broadband service for low-income consumers, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity per bill title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3675: An Act relative to taxation of equipment used to provide broadband communication services

HD 3675 exempts sales of specific equipment used to provide broadband services from Massachusetts sales tax. It directly affects broadband providers (like internet and cable companies) purchasing qualifying equipment such as cables, routers, antennas, fiber, and related infrastructure. The bill creates a new tax exemption for machinery, equipment, or replacement parts used in delivering telecommunications, video programming, or internet access services. This exemption applies to purchases made on or after July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts broadband equipment from sales tax, reducing costs for providers to expand infrastructure and improve internet access, directly supporting technology deployment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3470: An Act protecting transportation network driver data privacy and integrity

By Representative Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3470) of Mark J. Cusack relative to transportation network driver data privacy. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly protects transportation network driver data privacy, directly aligning with technology policy protections for digital rights and data security.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 323: An Act establishing a grant program for school connectivity

This bill creates a state grant program to improve cellular connectivity in Massachusetts public schools. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will distribute grants to eligible school districts that apply, with funding subject to state budget approval. The program requires the department to conduct a two-year study evaluating grant effectiveness and making recommendations for future funding distribution. The bill directly affects school districts seeking to upgrade their wireless infrastructure, with no changes to existing student or staff responsibilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state grant program requiring budget allocation for school connectivity, increasing public service funding subject to state budget approval.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state grants to improve school connectivity infrastructure, directly funding K-12 technology needs through a dedicated program.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds school wireless connectivity upgrades to expand internet access in public schools, directly advancing digital infrastructure and equity per bill's grant program and study requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 822: An Act to establish standards for the pole attachment process to facilitate the construction of broadband networks

This bill establishes standardized procedures for attaching broadband equipment to utility poles, directly affecting broadband providers, utility pole owners, and contractors. It creates a "One Touch Make Ready" process where a single contractor can handle all necessary pole modifications for simple attachments (like adding fiber lines), eliminating delays from multiple separate work orders. The bill defines key terms like "assigned space" and "common space" to clarify pole usage rights and ensures safety zones remain protected during installations. These changes aim to accelerate broadband network deployment by simplifying the pole attachment process.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill streamlines broadband pole attachments via 'One Touch Make Ready,' directly facilitating faster network construction and expanding internet access infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1625: An Act relative to cellular coverage

This bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Telecommunications to work with cell carriers to identify infrastructure needs for universal cellular coverage. It directs the department to locate public land (owned by state or municipalities) that could be leased or sold at low cost to carriers for new towers in coverage gaps, or to purchase land if needed. The bill sets a deadline of January 1, 2030, for all residents to access cellular service, and mandates a 2026 report detailing the plan and progress. It directly affects residents in areas with poor coverage and cell carriers building new infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates universal cellular coverage infrastructure expansion, directly advancing internet access and digital equity by requiring coverage for all residents by 2030.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 975: An Act to establish standards for the pole attachment process to facilitate the construction of broadband networks

This bill establishes standardized rules for attaching broadband infrastructure to utility poles, primarily affecting broadband providers and utility pole owners. It creates a "One Touch Make Ready" process requiring pole owners to provide a list of qualified contractors to modify poles for new broadband attachments, reducing delays. The bill defines key terms like "common space" (shared pole area) and "assigned space" (designated attachment zones) to clarify pole usage and prevent disputes. These changes aim to streamline pole attachment procedures, making it faster and less costly for broadband providers to expand network infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill standardizes pole attachments to reduce delays for broadband construction, directly expanding internet access infrastructure per its facilitation purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2342: An Act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers

This bill requires Massachusetts broadband providers (wireline, fixed wireless, and satellite) to offer affordable high-speed internet to low-income households. Eligible households must participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or qualify for specific assistance programs. Providers must offer service at a minimum of 100 Mbps download speed for $15/month (including taxes/fees), with limited annual price increases. Providers must also advertise the program, report enrollment and compliance annually to the state, and face penalties for noncompliance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires affordable high-speed broadband for low-income households, expanding internet access and promoting digital equity per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1708: An Act to streamline broadband permitting and ensure equitable access to infrastructure

HD 1708 requires state and local governments to streamline broadband infrastructure permitting, mandating decisions within 30-45 days and cost-based fees for access to poles and conduits. It prioritizes "open access" networks - where multiple providers share physical infrastructure - to reduce costs and improve equity, requiring all state-funded broadband projects to adopt this model. The bill also enforces a "Dig Once" policy for new construction (including empty conduits) and "One-Touch Make-Ready" for pole work to accelerate deployment. These provisions apply to all broadband providers, infrastructure owners (like municipalities and utilities), and state agencies, with the Department of Telecommunications and Cable enforcing compliance through fines up to $25,000 per day for violations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates open access broadband infrastructure, streamlines permitting for equitable internet expansion, directly supporting expanded access and digital equity per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 338: An Act establishing free broadband internet access in public housing

This bill requires all public housing units in the Commonwealth to provide free broadband internet access to residents, establishing it as a standard feature of "decent, safe and sanitary dwellings" under housing law. It mandates the state department to study broadband's connection to public health, particularly in underserved communities. Housing authorities will receive state funding (appropriated by the General Court) to implement and maintain this free service, with broadband explicitly excluded from being classified as a utility. The policy directly affects public housing residents and housing authorities responsible for compliance.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates free broadband in public housing as a standard feature of 'decent, safe, sanitary dwellings,' directly enhancing housing quality and accessibility for residents in affordable housing units.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates free broadband in public housing, expanding internet access in underserved communities with state funding for implementation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights Broadband Access Telecommunications

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