MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Legislation to expand broadband services across the state passed today in the Alabama Senate. Sponsored by Senator Del Marsh (R-Anniston), SB215 would establish the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority – a state agency to oversee the expansion and availability of high-speed broadband services throughout the state.

“Access to high-speed internet is critical to creating economic development and driving our state forward, and it is one of the most urgent needs we are dealing with in our state today,” said Senator Marsh. “Alabama is currently ranked 47th in the nation when it comes to internet access, according to U.S. News and World Report, and we are only getting further behind.

“Students, businesses, health care providers, and countless others depend on broadband access, and too many across our state lack this necessary resource,” Marsh said.

“It’s time that we put a powerful plan in motion to successfully deliver high-speed internet services to all Alabamians, and this legislation is a significant step forward in supplying broadband connectivity to all four corners of the state.”

SB215 now heads to the Alabama House of Representatives for consideration.