(1) "Broadband network project" means any deployment of broadband services.

(2) "Broadband services" means a wired or wireless terrestrial service that consists of the capability to transmit at a rate of not less than 25 megabits per second in the downstream direction and at least 3 megabits per second in the upstream direction to end users and in combination with such service provides:

(A) Access to the Internet; or

(B) Computer processing, information storage, or protocol conversion.

(3) "Broadband services provider" means any provider of broadband services or a public utility or any other person or entity that builds or owns a broadband network project.

(4) "Development authority" shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 36-62A-20.

(5) "Eligible applicants" means any or all public bodies, designated by the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of Code Section 50-40-81, as political subdivisions qualified to apply for funds under this article.

(6) "Local authority" shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 36-82-220.

(7) "Location" means any residence, dwelling, home, business, or building.

(8) "Political subdivision" means a county, municipal corporation, consolidated government, or local authority.

(9) "Qualified broadband provider" means an entity that is authorized to apply for or that obtains a certificate of authority issued pursuant to Code Section 46-5-163 that:

(A)

(i) Has, directly or indirectly, been providing broadband services to at least 1,000 locations; and

(ii) Has been conducting business in the state for at least three years with a demonstrated financial, technical, and operational capability to operate a broadband services network; or

(B) Is able to demonstrate financial, technical, and operational capability to operate a broadband services network.

(10) "Served area" means a census block that is not designated by the Department of Community Affairs as an unserved area.

(11) "Unserved area" means a census block in which broadband services are not available to 20 percent or more of the locations as determined by the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to Article 2 of this chapter.