Senator Bill Dodd’s SB 556 would accelerate the deployment of wireless broadband infrastructure in local communities throughout the state by bringing California into conformance with existing federal and state laws.
Specifically, this measure would remove barriers and increase access to 5G wireless connectivity for local communities like those in Lake County. Improving access to home and small business with fixed wireless broadband solutions is critical as Californians increasingly rely on wireless services for distance learning, telehealth and remote working.
This bill conforms California law to federal law requiring that local governments provide reasonable, non-discriminatory and cost-based access to the street light poles and traffic signal poles that they own in the right of way and clarifies the cost methodology to be used to determine attachment rates.
This statewide guidance will be critical to efforts in bridging the digital divide by connecting students, families and communities with reliable internet connectivity that will remain a necessity well after the COVID-19 pandemic has abated.
