Stimulating Innovation: Statutory Influence on Electric Cooperative Telecommunications Innovation

Abstract

Despite investment in electric cooperatives to stimulate innovation in the broadband telecommunications market, an overwhelming majority (around 835 out of approximately 900) have refrained from engaging in broadband infrastructure projects. This study identifies “statutory environment” as a barrier to electric co-op innovations in the broadband market, analyzes state-by-state legislation, and makes recommendations for stimulating innovation by statutory updates.