Technology (Telecommunications)

in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 25, 2026

H 5290: An Act to streamline broadband permitting and ensure equitable access to infrastructure

This bill amends state law to speed up the permitting process for broadband internet infrastructure and promote open access networks where multiple providers can share physical facilities. It requires state and local governments to approve permit applications within 45 days and mandates that infrastructure owners grant timely, cost-based access to broadband providers. The legislation also establishes rules for "dig once" policies to include conduits during excavations, creates a registry for qualified contractors, and sets up enforcement mechanisms with potential fines for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill streamlines broadband permitting and ensures equitable access to infrastructure, directly advancing internet access and digital equity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jan 28, 2026

H 4982: An Act relative to portable wireless device repair

This bill requires manufacturers of portable wireless devices (like cell phones) sold in Massachusetts to provide independent repair shops with necessary documentation, parts, and tools on "fair and reasonable terms" - meaning the same cost and access they offer to their own authorized repair shops. It specifically prohibits manufacturers from forcing authorized repair providers to use proprietary formats for repair information if standardized formats are available on better terms. The law does not require manufacturers to provide discontinued parts or reveal trade secrets, and it limits liability for manufacturers regarding repairs performed by independent shops. This directly affects independent repair businesses and device owners seeking affordable, non-manufacturer repairs within the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires manufacturers to provide fair repair access to independent shops, promoting consumer choice and reducing repair monopolies - aligns with right-to-repair advocacy in tech policy.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 20, 2025

S 1450: An Act relative to the issuance of revenue bonds for the construction and reconstruction of telecommunications facilities by the city of Quincy

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1450) of John F. Keenan (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation relative to the issuance of revenue bonds for the construction and reconstruction of telecommunications facilities by the city of Quincy. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds telecom infrastructure construction, directly expanding internet access infrastructure per bill's purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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signed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 23, 2025

S 2625: An Act providing for the issuance of revenue bonds for the construction and reconstruction of telecommunications facilities by the city of Quincy

Senate, October 20, 2025 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Keenan) for the Senate Bill providing for the issuance of revenue bonds for the construction and reconstruction of telecommunications facilities by the city of Quincy (Senate, No. 1450).

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill funds construction of telecommunications facilities, expanding internet access infrastructure, directly advancing technology access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 2158: An Act relative to municipal light plants

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2158) of John F. Keenan and Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to municipal light plants to expand protection for other plant services, telecommunications and cable services. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands protection for telecommunications services, supporting internet access infrastructure.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 958: An Act relative to the issuance of revenue bonds for the construction and reconstruction of telecommunications facilities by the city of Quincy

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1450) of John F. Keenan (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation relative to the issuance of revenue bonds for the construction and reconstruction of telecommunications facilities by the city of Quincy. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds construction of telecom infrastructure, directly advancing internet access and connectivity for Quincy residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 301: An Act relative to the oversight of cable contracts

HD 301 requires local governments to refer cable license violations to the state Department of Telecommunications and Cable for review. It mandates that the department must approve any settlement agreement between a local government and a cable company, but it cannot approve agreements that don't serve the best interests of cable customers. The bill directly affects cable companies (licensees) and their subscribers by adding state oversight to local enforcement actions. This creates a formal process to ensure settlements protect customers' interests when cable service agreements are disputed.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates state oversight of cable company settlements to protect customer interests, regulating internet access provider for consumer protection90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4006: An Act relative to smart meters

This bill requires utility companies to give customers the choice between wireless smart meters and traditional non-transmitting electromechanical analog meters at no additional cost. It mandates written customer consent before installing wireless meters or altering meter functionality, and requires utilities to replace wireless meters with analog ones upon request without fees. The bill prohibits utilities from disconnecting service, imposing penalties, or discriminating against customers who choose non-wireless meters due to health concerns or preference. It directly affects all residential and business utility ratepayers in Massachusetts who currently have or would receive wireless meters.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires consent for wireless meters, allows opt-out to analog without fees, protecting customer data privacy from potential meter data transmission.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1200: An Act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers

Massachusetts bill SD 1200 requires broadband providers to offer high-speed internet service to eligible low-income households at $15 per month. Eligibility includes households participating in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or federal housing assistance, or earning under 200% of the federal poverty level. The service must provide at least 100 Mbps download speed, and providers must report annually to the state telecom department on enrollment and compliance. Violations can be enforced through court actions by the Attorney General.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEligibility includes households receiving federal housing assistance, directly supporting low-income housing residents through affordable broadband access.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyDirectly expands affordable high-speed internet access for low-income households, advancing digital equity and internet access under technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3974: An Act relative to cellular coverage

By Representative Luddy of Orleans, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3974) of Hadley Luddy relative to cellular coverage. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill addresses cellular coverage expansion, directly enhancing mobile internet access infrastructure under technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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