Act 79:

A bill was introduced in the Vermont State Legislature on February 8, 2007 as House Bill H.248 and referred to Commerce Committee. The bill passed the House on March 30 and the Senate gave its approval on May 12. The bill was signed by Gov. Jim Douglas on June 9, 2007, and passed into law as Act 79.

Act 79 established a Vermont telecommunications authority to facilitate the establishment and delivery of mobile phone and internet access infrastructure and services for residents and businesses throughout Vermont. The authority is focused on unserved and underserved areas and an overall long term goal of broadband and mobile phone infrastructure throughout the state.

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Mission Statement

June 9, 2007

The mission of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority was established by the Vermont General Assembly in Act 79, passed into law in June 2007.

1. that all residences and business in all regions of the state have access to affordable broadband services not later than the end of the year 2010.
2. the ubiquitous availability of mobile telecommunication services including voice and high-speed data throughout the state by the end of the year 2010.
3. the investment in telecommunications infrastructure in the state which will support the best available and economically feasible service capabilities
4. that telecommunications and broadband infrastructure in all areas of the state is continuously upgraded to reflect the rapid evolution in the capabilities of available mobile telecommunications and broadband technologies, and in the capabilities of mobile telecommunications and broadband services needed by persons, businesses, and institutions in the state.
5. the most efficient use of both public and private resources through state policies by encouraging the development of open access telecommunications infrastructure that can be shared by multiple service providers.