A bill that would expand the state’s definition of broadband capacity is one step closer to becoming law. SB 5715 (Sen. Lisa Wellman, D–Mercer Island) was passed out of the House Community & Economic Development Committee on a near-unanimous vote and sent to Rules Committee.
The proposed legislation modifies and expands the definition of broadband:
- From 25 megabits per second download;
- To 100 megabits per second download; and
- From three megabits per second upload;
- To 20 megabits per second upload.
The current federal speed standard is 25 download/3 upload.
In recognition of the Statewide Broadband Office’s objective of scalability and that a digital economy will continue to drive higher and higher speeds, the bill aims to move towards adequate connectivity to serve economic development, education,
and telehealth services.
AWC supports this legislation.