Section 50-40-1 - DefinitionsAs 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.(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.Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 307,§ 50, eff. 5/10/2021.Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 423,§ 6-1, eff. 5/7/2018.