A 3656 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

This bill amends New Jersey's cable television franchise application requirements, mandating that companies seeking municipal consent or system-wide franchises commit to specific service standards. It requires applicants to extend cable and broadband service to all residences and businesses within 150 feet aerial or 100 feet underground of existing infrastructure at no extra cost beyond standard installation, while meeting a minimum density of 35 homes per square mile. Additionally, companies must provide free cable and broadband access to public buildings (including schools, libraries, and emergency facilities) through dedicated service outlets, along with two public, educational, and government access channels. These commitments are binding for new franchise applications but do not alter existing service terms.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Party
State
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P
Photo of Don Guardian
Don Guardian
RRepublican
NJ
2