Sen. Dodd Introduces Broadband Upgrade Bill
SACRAMENTO – With more Californians relying on the internet during the coronavirus pandemic for distance learning and remote work, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, today announced the introduction of his new legislation to streamline the installation of high-speed broadband service, ensuring better access, especially for low-income people.
“California can take immediate steps to close the digital divide by passing this proposal,” Sen. Dodd said. “For too long, telecommunication projects have been delayed by confusing regulations, entrenched in excessive bureaucracy. These processes have had a severe impact on bringing high-speed internet to many communities across California.”
Sen. Dodd’s legislation comes as employers and schools across our state have shifted to virtual participation, highlighting disparities of access faced by low-income families and people of color. Nearly 42% of California families said unreliable internet access was a challenge for them during distance learning, according to a recent poll by EdSource and FM3 Research.
Senate Bill 556 would ensure equity while helping small business by removing local discretion to put roadblocks before 5G small cell deployment – something that is critical for reliable high-speed internet. It builds on existing law setting timelines and reasonable fees for processing and approving broadband projects. Instead of having to sue to get project approval, the bill will result in quicker decisions and ultimately more robust coverage.
SB 556 is expected to be heard next month in the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications committee.
“I am grateful Sen. Dodd has taken on the challenge of expanding 5G in California,” said Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. “This technology is needed now more than ever with the digitalization of our economy. An accelerated path forward for 5G will ensure all citizens in our community will participate in the post COVID-19 recovery. We see 5G as an essential part of our inclusion objective.”
“Greater access to broadband internet service is essential to bridge the digital divide for low-income people and communities of color,” said Elease Cheek, Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce president and Solano County Office of Education trustee. “It is a necessary step to achieve equity for minority owned businesses as well as our young students participating in remote learning. I thank Sen. Dodd for introducing this bill to remove these roadblocks.”
“What 5G means to us is better connectivity,” said Nicolas Hastings, Square Root Academy’s co-founder and executive director. “Better connectivity for more connected systems as well as more connected communities. It means our scholars get exposed to a higher caliber of technology and to leverage it for different applications for the future.”
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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.