HF 2355 (LSB 5715YH (5) 84)

HOUSE FILE 2355

BY  KELLEY

A BILL FOR

An Act providing for the conducting of a wireless communication mapping survey.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  WIRELESS COMMUNICATION MAPPING SURVEY.  The economic development authority, with the assistance of the utilities board of the utilities division of the department of commerce, shall conduct a wireless communication mapping survey. For purposes of this section, “wireless communication” means communication pursuant to a mobile or cellular telephone apparatus or device. The objectives of the survey shall be to identify on a statewide basis areas of current wireless communication service coverage and to ascertain areas throughout the state where wireless communication service is either nonexistent or where signal strength and reliability is inconsistent or subject to interruption. Based upon the results of the survey, the authority shall develop recommendations for expanding and improving coverage in those areas identified as requiring such expansion and improvement. In conducting the survey and developing recommendations, the authority and the board shall enlist the assistance of telecommunications service providers of varying sizes and with varying numbers of customers currently operating within this state. The authority shall submit a report to the general assembly regarding the results of the survey and recommendations by January 1, 2013.
EXPLANATION
   This bill directs the economic development authority, with the assistance of the Iowa utilities board, to conduct a wireless communication mapping survey. The bill defines “wireless communication” to refer to a mobile or cellular telephone apparatus or device. The bill states that the objectives of the survey are to identify on a statewide basis areas of current wireless communication service coverage and to ascertain areas throughout the state where wireless communication service is either nonexistent or where signal strength and reliability is inconsistent or subject to interruption. Based upon the results of the survey, the bill requires the authority to develop recommendations to expand and improve coverage in those areas identified as requiring it. The bill provides that the survey and recommendations shall be conducted and developed with the assistance of telecommunications service providers of varying sizes and with varying numbers of customers currently operating in Iowa. The bill provides that the authority shall submit a report to the general assembly regarding the results of the survey and legislative recommendations by January 1, 2013.