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Minutes for HB2701 - Committee on Commerce
Short Title
Establishing the statewide broadband expansion task force.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 13, 2018
Chairperson Lynn continued the hearing on the bill and recognized Senate President Susan Wagle who provided testimony in support of the bill. To ensure economic growth in the 21st century, Kansas must take concrete steps to improve broadband access. She suggested the following members be added to the broadband task force: a member representing the agriculture industry; a member representing the oil and gas industry; and a member representing the aviation industry. (Attachment 1)
Senator Olson said the task force is important but expressed the need for a map of Kansas to be developed outlining broadband coverage and speed of technology being delivered. Senator Wagle agreed a map containing this information would be beneficial and could possibly be developed by the task force.
Senator Sykes asked if President Wagle had any concerns about the bill lacking a clear purpose and a set of deliverables. President Wagle agreed specific goals could be added to the bill. Senator Sykes noted it would be important for the State to be cognizant of federal requirements concerning broadband technology.
Referring to page 3, line 8 of the bill, Senator Suellentrop asked President Wagle her thoughts on the term potential funding sources. She responded any available funding sources should be considered.
Chairperson Lynn recognized Andy Schlapp, Wichita State University, who provided testimony in support of the bill. Technology is of critical importance to the State. As the needs of industry change, Kansas has to position itself as a state that is capable of meeting those needs so it can truly be a place for business to locate and grow. Infrastructure used to be limited to talking about roads and highways as a means of moving goods for business and growing communities; however, the new model of doing business has to account for increased pressure on broadband across the state and across all sectors of the economy. Business and industry are more interested in how much data can they move, how fast they can move it, and how securely it is stored. These are the new fundamental questions when discussing infrastructure. Kansas has lead in roads and highways for a long time and is ranked nationally 2nd in best roads today while simultaneously lagging most every state in broadband. A map illustrating speed of fixed residential broadband across the United States was provided. In addition to technology, other important factors to major wealth generators and industry leaders include work force, applied research, quality of life and entrepreneurship. (Attachment 2)
Senator Alley asked if a map illustrating the speed of broadband across Kansas was available. Mr. Schlapp responded he did not have one. Senator Alley expressed concern about the availability of fiber optics in the ground in some areas, yet the fiber optics cannot be accessed by some residences and businesses.
Senator Olson emphasized the importance of having access to an accurate map of Kansas illustrating the availability of broadband services and speeds of transmission.
Senator Suellentrop asked Mr. Schlapp for suggestions on task force members. Mr. Schlapp responded it would be important to include wealth generators.
Senator Holland said it would be important to have consumers and representatives from all types of providers involved with the task force so that all concerns and solutions are brought to the table.
Senator Pilcher-Cook expressed appreciation for Mr. Schlapp's focus on the wealth generators. She questioned whether these businesses had been asked to identify what may be prohibiting them from growing their businesses. Mr. Schlapp responded he could not specifically address the question; however, he stressed the critical nature of having access to technology and workers.
Chairperson Lynn recognized John Idoux, CenturyLink, who provided a map of Kansas showing Connect America Phase II eligible areas. (Attachment 3)
Written only testimony in support of the bill was provided by:
- Chad Austin, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Kansas Hospital Association (Attachment 4)
Chairperson Lynn closed the hearing on HB 2701.
