Watching Internet access evolve from a game-players, chat-lovers playground to a critical resource necessary to accomplish many things in day-to-day life, State Senator Aric Nesbitt has introduced legislation in the Michigan Senate today designed to improve access to reliable broadband Internet by increasing incentives for expanding broadband infrastructure in both under-served and unserved areas of Michigan.
Nesbitt points out, “For years, many people simply used the Internet to play games, chat with friends and keep in touch with family,” adding, “Now, people do their shopping, banking and many other everyday activities online and many jobs and educational opportunities are becoming increasingly mobile as well. Reliable access to the Internet is becoming a requirement.”
Senate Bill 46 would promote investment in broadband equipment with the hope of bringing more high-speed Internet infrastructure and service to under-served and rural areas of the state. The legislation aims to prompt investors to upgrade their equipment and expand services to areas that currently cannot receive high-speed Internet.
Nesbitt also points to the ongoing pandemic and transition away from in-person interaction as businesses have implemented social distancing measures, contending, “Moving into 2021, especially during the ongoing pandemic, where most things are being done remotely, people need to have access to reliable internet,” and adds, “We saw this with the state’s unemployment insurance agency and the complete inability to communicate with someone at the agency outside of the online portal.”
Nesbitt introduced a similar bill shortly after taking office in 2019, but many priorities from the previous Legislature remained uncompleted due to COVID-19. Nesbitt said he remains committed to improving Internet access for his district and other rural parts of the state.
The Lawton Senator concludes, “Lowering government-imposed costs and barriers to expansion and incentivizing private sector investment will improve access to high-speed Internet throughout Michigan.”
The legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Technology for further consideration.
