Kansas Declares Broadband Critical Infrastructure, Boosts Legal Protections

April 11, 2025 - Kansas has officially designated broadband and telecommunications systems as critical infrastructure, a move aimed at strengthening legal protections and deterring tampering with essential internet services.

Gov. Laura Kelly (D) signed House Bill 2061 into law this week, expanding the state’s definition of critical infrastructure to include broadband cables, wireless towers, antennas, and other telecommunications equipment. The new law increased penalties for trespassing on or damaging these systems, aligning Kansas with a growing number of states that treat interference with communications networks as felonies.

“We know that it is critical all Kansans have access to reliable high-speed internet,” Kelly said in a press release. “By classifying broadband cables and wires as critical infrastructure, we are taking steps to deter tampering with these essential materials to ensure that Kansans’ internet service is not disrupted.”

Charter’s Dayton Murty, Senior Manager of State Government Affairs, testified in support of the law in January.

 “We all know that broadband Internet access is critical to daily life. Intentionally and maliciously damaging broadband cables and wires, often fiber optic lines, can create the same service interruptions as damaging other broadband infrastructure like telecommunications power supplies and headends which are already protected under the law,” Murty said.

Under the new law, trespassing on a broadband facility without authorization is now a misdemeanor, while aggravated trespassing—with intent to damage or interfere—is a felony. Damaging a broadband system can result in felony charges with escalating penalties based on intent.

The new law took effect on April 10.