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Bill

SB 1038

Relating to: a study committee on the installation of empty conduit lines for future fiber-optic internet expansion.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Larson and 4 co-sponsors

Wisconsin study committee examines installing empty conduits during construction projects to reduce future fiber-optic broadband deployment costs in underserved areas.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 1038

Legislative bill overview

SB 1038 proposed creating a study committee in Wisconsin to examine the feasibility and benefits of installing empty conduit infrastructure during road and utility construction projects to enable future fiber-optic internet expansion. The bill aimed to establish a coordinated approach to laying preparatory infrastructure that would reduce costs and disruption when broadband deployment becomes economically viable.

Why is this important

Rural and underserved areas across Wisconsin face significant barriers to broadband access, partly due to high infrastructure installation costs. Proactive conduit installation during routine construction projects could dramatically reduce future deployment expenses and accelerate internet access expansion without requiring separate excavation. This represents infrastructure-level planning for digital equity and economic competitiveness.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation and responsibility: Unclear which entities (municipalities, state, private utilities) would fund empty conduit installation and whether it imposes unfunded mandates on local governments during standard construction projects
  • Uncertain future utility: Fiber technology may evolve unpredictably; mandating conduit installation assumes fiber-optic will remain the optimal solution and may result in wasted resources if technology shifts
  • Private sector coordination: Lack of clarity on how private telecom companies would be involved in planning or whether they'd be required to use publicly-installed conduits, potentially raising competition and regulatory concerns

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

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