Oregon's House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss House Bill 3148, a significant legislative effort aimed at expanding broadband access and affordability across the state. The bill, which has garnered strong support from various stakeholders, seeks to address the pressing digital divide affecting low-income families, particularly in rural areas.

Representative Pam Marsh highlighted the critical need for broadband services, emphasizing that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of reliable internet access for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The bill proposes enhancements to the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP), which will be rebranded as Oregon Lifeline to align with federal standards. Key features of the legislation include increasing the subsidy for eligible customers from $10 to $15 and introducing a one-time device benefit of up to $100 for purchasing digital devices, such as computers or tablets.

The League of Oregon Cities expressed its strong backing for the bill, noting that it represents a crucial step toward bridging the digital gap. With federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, Oregon is poised to receive substantial resources to enhance broadband infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural communities.

Testimonies from broadband providers underscored the ongoing challenges of affordability and accessibility. Sam Ackley from Hunter Communications pointed out that even with new services being deployed, many households still struggle to afford basic internet plans. The proposed legislation aims to alleviate these financial barriers, ensuring that more Oregonians can access essential online services.

The committee's discussions also touched on the importance of tracking the effectiveness of these initiatives, particularly in remote areas where internet access has historically been limited. Representative Marsh assured that the influx of federal funding would facilitate efforts to connect even the most isolated communities.

As the committee moves forward with House Bill 3148, the focus remains on ensuring that all Oregonians, regardless of their location or income level, can benefit from affordable and reliable broadband services. The anticipated changes are expected to have a lasting impact on the state's economic landscape, fostering greater connectivity and opportunity for all residents.