The University of Maine System may install wires or lines on existing utility facilities located within or along a public right-of-way for the purpose of transmitting data and communications between and among University of Maine System facilities and partnering entities, wherever located, subject to the conditions and restrictions provided in this chapter and chapter 25. For purposes of this section, “lines” does not include utility poles and “partnering entities” means organizations, wherever located, authorized to use the university’s regional optical network for education and research institutions or other university data and communications systems. [PL 2007, c. 268, §1 (NEW).]