This bill proposes to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section, 41-710.04, which mandates the Department of Administration to negotiate and enter into contracts with telecommunications service providers specifically to enhance telecommunications services in rural or underserved areas of the state. This addition aims to address the gap in service availability in these regions.

The bill also clarifies the definition of "telecommunications service provider" to include entities that offer voice, data, or video transmission for a fee, explicitly listing traditional telephone companies, broadband providers, and cell phone carriers as examples. The current law remains unchanged, but the new provisions will expand the scope of services and providers involved in improving telecommunications access in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-710.04