Section 50-40-1 - 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

ualified 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.(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

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.Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 307,§ 50, eff. 5/10/2021.Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 423,§ 6-1, eff. 5/7/2018.