(a) In order to ascertain, categorize, analyze, map, and update the status of broadband in the state, as well as to enable the Office of Broadband to make informed policy and legislative recommendations, the Office of Broadband may establish a voluntary data collection program. The program may include voluntarily submitted data from internet service providers, including any home or region data rate meters utilized by the provider. The program may also utilize and collect voluntarily submitted data rate information submitted by any person reflecting the persons personal data rate at a particular IP address. This personal data rate may be based upon a web-based test or analysis program.
(b) Any and all data collected by the Office of Broadband shall not be deemed public information and is not subject to public release or availability pursuant to 29B-1-1 et seq. of this code.
(c) Any data collection program established by the Office of Broadband shall:
(1) Make clear to those providers or persons submitting information that the data rate speed may become public, including specific reference to the persons physical address;
(2) Make clear this is a voluntary data collection program and that submission of information shall be deemed consent to use and make public such data rate information; and
(3) Not include any persons personal web history or search information, or otherwise publicly identify the persons name in connection with an IP address or physical address.
(d) The Office of Broadband may establish guidelines and additional rules governing a data collection program through the legislative rulemaking pursuant to the provisions of 29A-3-1 et seq. of this code.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 31G. Broadband Enhancement and Expansion Policies
Article 1A. Office of Broadband
§31G-1A-1. Office of Broadband; Director of Office
§31G-1A-2. Powers and Duties of the Office of Broadband Generally
§31G-1A-3. Mapping of Areas Within State
§31G-1A-5. Protection of Proprietary Business Information