Utah Broadband Center

Utah Code tit. 72, ch. 72-19, pt. 72-19-P2

in effect

Utah Code § 72-19-201 Utah Broadband Center -- Creation -- Director -- Duties.

72-19-201. Utah Broadband Center -- Creation -- Director -- Duties. (1) There is created within the department the Utah Broadband Center. (2) The executive director shall appoint a director of the broadband center to oversee the operations of the broadband center. (3) The broadband center shall: (a) ensure that publicly funded broadband projects continue to be publicly accessible and provide a public benefit; (b) develop the statewide digital connectivity plan described in Section 72-19-203; (c) carry out the duties described in Section 72-19-202; (d) administer the Broadband Access Grant Program created in Section 72-19-301; and (e) administer the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Grant Program created in Section 72-19-401. (4) The broadband center shall ensure efficiency with respect to: (a) expenditure of funds; and (b) avoiding duplication of efforts. (5) The broadband center shall consider administering broadband infrastructure funds in a manner that: (a) efficiently maximizes the leverage of federal funding; (b) avoids the use of public funds for broadband facilities that duplicate existing broadband facilities that already meet or exceed federal standards; and (c) accounts for the benefits and costs to the state of existing facilities, equipment, and services of public and private broadband providers. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 512, 2025 General Session

Utah Code § 72-19-202 Infrastructure and broadband coordination.

72-19-202. Infrastructure and broadband coordination. (1) The broadband center shall partner with the Utah Geospatial Resource Center created in Section 63A-16-505 to collect and maintain a database and interactive map that displays economic development data statewide, including: (a) voluntarily submitted broadband availability, speeds, and other broadband data; (b) voluntarily submitted public utility data; (c) workforce data, including information regarding: (i) enterprise zones designated under Section 63N-2-206; (ii) public institutions of higher education; and (iii) APEX accelerators; (d) transportation data, which may include information regarding railway routes, commuter rail routes, airport locations, and major highways; (e) lifestyle data, which may include information regarding state parks, national parks and monuments, United States Forest Service boundaries, ski areas, golf courses, and hospitals; and (f) other relevant economic development data as determined by the office, including data provided by partner organizations. (2) The broadband center may: (a) make recommendations to state and federal agencies, local governments, the governor, and the Legislature regarding policies and initiatives that promote the development of broadband-related infrastructure in the state and help implement those policies and initiatives; (b) facilitate coordination between broadband providers and public and private entities; (c) collect and analyze data on broadband availability and usage in the state, including Internet speed, capacity, the number of unique visitors, and the availability of broadband infrastructure throughout the state; (d) create a voluntary broadband alliance, which shall include broadband providers and other public and private stakeholders, to solicit input on broadband-related policy guidance, best practices, and adoption strategies; (e) work with broadband providers, state and local governments, and other public and private stakeholders to facilitate and encourage the expansion and maintenance of broadband infrastructure throughout the state; and (f) in accordance with the requirements of Title 63J, Chapter 5, Federal Funds Procedures Act, and in accordance with federal requirements: (i) apply for federal grants; (ii) participate in federal programs; and (iii) administer federally funded broadband-related programs. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 512, 2025 General Session

Utah Code § 72-19-203 Statewide digital connectivity plan.

72-19-203. Statewide digital connectivity plan. As used in this section: (1) "Broadband commission" means the Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission created in Section 36-29-109. (2) "Strategic plan" means the statewide digital connectivity plan created in accordance with Subsections (3) and (4). (3) The broadband center shall develop the strategic plan. (4) The strategic plan shall include strategies to: (a) implement broadband connectivity statewide; (b) promote digital access throughout the state; (c) apply for federal infrastructure funds; and (d) apply for additional funds. (5) In developing the strategic plan, the broadband center shall work with the broadband commission. (6) The broadband center shall submit the strategic plan to the broadband commission for the broadband commission's recommendation before finalizing the strategic plan. (7) On or before October 1 of each year, the broadband center shall report to the broadband commission and the Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee regarding status updates. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 512, 2025 General Session

Source: Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (le.utah.gov)URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title72/Chapter19/72-19-P2.html?v=C72-19-P2_2025070120250507Fetched: 10/26/2026