Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term: (1) ‘‘Broadband network project’’ means any deployment of broadband services. (2) ‘‘Broadband services’’ means a wired or wireless terrestrial service that consists of the capability to transmit at a rate of not less than 25 megabits per second in the downstream direction and at least 3 megabits per second in the upstream direction to end users and in combination with such service provides: (A) Access to the internet; or (B) Computer processing, information storage, or protocol conversion. (3) ‘‘Broadband services provider’’ means any provider of broadband services or a public utility or any other person or entity that builds or owns a broadband network project. (4) ‘‘Development authority’’ shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 36-62A-20. (5) ‘‘Eligible applicants’’ means any or all public bodies, designated by the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of Code Section 50-40-81, as political subdivisions qualified to apply for funds under this article. (6) ‘‘Local authority’’ shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 36-82-220. (7) ‘‘Location’’ means any residence, dwelling, home, business, or building. (8) ‘‘Political subdivision’’ means a county, municipal corporation, consolidated government, or local authority. 819 50-40-2 (9) ‘‘Qualified broadband provider’’ means an entity that is authorized to apply for or that obtains a certificate of authority issued pursuant to Code Section 46-5-163 that: (A)(i) Has, directly or indirectly, been providing broadband services to at least 1,000 locations; and (ii) Has been conducting business in the state for at least three years with a demonstrated financial, technical, and operational capability to operate a broadband services network; or (B) Is able to demonstrate financial, technical, and operational capability to operate a broadband services network. (10) ‘‘Served area’’ means a census block that is not designated by the Department of Community Affairs as an unserved area. (11) ‘‘Unserved area’’ means a census block in which broadband services are not available to 20 percent or more of the locations as determined by the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to Article 2 of this chapter. History. — Code 1981, § 50-40-1, enacted by Ga. L. 2018, p. 629, § 6-1/SB 402; Ga. L. 2021, p. 922, § 50/HB 497. The 2021 amendment, effective May 10, 2021, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, substituted ‘‘internet’’ for ‘‘Internet’’ in subparagraph (2)(A).