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H 2346

An Act relative to a local option for municipalities to own and operate their own internet provider

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Erika Uyterhoeven

Massachusetts bill allowing municipalities to create and operate local internet service providers as public utilities to improve broadband access and competition.

Accompanied a study order, see H5323
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Bill Summary · H 2346

Legislative bill overview

H 2346 grants Massachusetts municipalities the local option to establish and operate their own broadband internet service providers. The bill removes state-level barriers that currently prevent towns from offering internet services as a municipal utility, similar to how some communities operate their own water or electric systems.

Why is this important

Broadband access is increasingly essential for education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, yet many rural and underserved areas lack adequate service or face high costs from private providers. Municipal broadband could reduce digital inequality, lower consumer costs, and generate local revenue—though it also requires significant upfront municipal investment and technical expertise that not all towns possess.

Potential points of contention

  • Private sector competition: Telecommunications companies argue municipal broadband unfairly competes with private providers and may receive implicit subsidies through municipal borrowing or tax advantages
  • Financial risk and burden: Municipalities may lack expertise to manage complex broadband infrastructure, and failed projects could burden taxpayers with debt; rural areas may struggle to build economically viable networks
  • Implementation uncertainty: The bill's specifics on funding mechanisms, service standards, infrastructure requirements, and municipal liability protections remain unclear and could significantly affect feasibility and costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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