The proposed legislation, known as the "Net Equality Program," aims to improve access to affordable broadband Internet services for eligible households in Connecticut, effective July 1, 2025. The bill defines key terms such as "affordable broadband Internet access service," "eligible household," and "qualified broadband Internet access service provider." The Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) is responsible for developing and administering the program, which includes provisions for eligible households to transition to affordable broadband services, a dedicated contact number for assistance, and annual public meetings to ensure widespread access. The bill sets a maximum monthly cost of $40 for the service, with minimum speed requirements of 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads, ensuring adequate support for distance learning and telehealth. The OCC is also authorized to review and potentially increase these speed requirements biennially.

Additionally, the bill prohibits state agencies from contracting with broadband providers that do not offer affordable broadband to eligible households, effective October 1, 2025. It requires broadband providers to establish a dedicated contact number for eligible households, conduct annual public meetings, and submit annual reports on enrollment figures to the OCC. The legislation includes provisions for advertising the availability of affordable broadband in multiple languages and promoting the Federal Communication Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program. The legal language inserted into the bill includes the establishment of the Net Equality Program and specific requirements for broadband providers, while no deletions from current law are specified. Overall, the bill seeks to bridge the digital divide by making broadband access more affordable and accessible to low-income households.