Mississippi § 57-87-3 - Legislative findings.

§ 57-87-3. Legislative findings.

The Legislature finds that the long-standing telecommunications policy of this state has been to ensure that all citizens have access to telephone service. The increasing reliance upon access to computer information services for jobs, housing and other necessities requires that this concept be broadened to include high-speed access to the Internet as well. The Legislature further finds that the ability of the citizens in all parts of this state to access the Internet, also known as the information superhighway, is an important component in the ability of the state to remain competitive in the fields of business and education, as well as the ability of government to provide services to these people both now and in the future. The ability of the citizens of Mississippi to access the full potential of the Internet is predicated on having the most advanced telecommunications infrastructure - the backbone to the information superhighway. The Legislature further finds and declares that it is the policy of the state to provide incentives for “telecommunications enterprises” (as defined in Section 57-73-21(14)) to invest in the infrastructure needed to provide broadband technology throughout the state to keep this state competitive and to promote economic development within the state. The Legislature further finds that despite the significant growth of computer ownership and usage, the growth has occurred to a greater extent within developed areas within this state, thereby leading to what has been termed a “digital divide” between Tier One areas within the state and areas within this state that are Tier Two and Tier Three areas (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21(1)). The Legislature further finds that it is in the public interest for people living in Tier Two areas and people living in Tier Three areas of the state to have high-speed access to the Internet and to adequate technology, infrastructure and advanced telecommunications service. The Legislature further finds and declares that additional incentives are warranted to encourage telecommunications enterprises to invest in the infrastructure needed to provide broadband technology in Tier Two and Tier Three areas of the state.