Fiber
On Broadband, California Again Leads the Way in Helping Promote Rural Broadband
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: There's no question that California courts controversy, in technology and telecommunications as well as many other spaces. However, putting aside the drama over net neutrality, this bill removing restrictions on the public option will aid rural broadband. In particular, the measure allows community service districts to fund broadband much as they would sewer or other utility investments.
Governor Signs Bill Eliminating Restrictions for Rural Community Broadband, from MuniNetworks.org
While major media outlets cover news about California Governor Jerry Brown’s decision to sign the state’s network neutrality bill, we’re high-fiving his signature on AB 1999. On September 30th, Gov. Brown approved the bill that removes state restrictions limiting publicly owned options for rural Internet access. The change signifies what we hope to see more of - state action empowering local communities set on improving local connectivity.
We’ve been following the development of the bill, introduced by Assembly Member Ed Chau, since early this year when it began to make its way through committee. Christopher went to California in May to testify in support of the bill at a hearing of the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee.
Easing the Way for Rural Communities
AB 1999 focuses on the responsibilities and authority of community service districts (CSDs), created to provide necessary services. CSDs are independent local governments usually formed by residents in unincorporated areas for the purpose of providing the kinds of services city-dwellers often take for granted: water and wastewater management, trash collection, fire protection, etc. In keeping with the ability to raise funds for these services, CSDs have the authority to create enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs). CSDs are allowed to use EIFDs to fund development of Internet access infrastructure in the same way they would sewer infrastructure, or convert overhead utilities to underground, or other projects that deal with infrastructure and are in the public interest.
[more...]
-
Intellectual Property2 months agoIn Congressional Oversight Hearing, Register of Copyrights Says Office Is Responding to Online Users
-
Broadband Data3 months agoPennsylvania Broadband Speeds Worse Than Previously Believed, According to State Report
-
Broadband Data3 months agoCalifornia Report: Income Most Significant Factor in Low Broadband Adoption
-
Privacy and Security2 weeks agoComparing Privacy Policies for Wearable Fitness Trackers: Apple, Fitbit, Xiaomi and Under Armour
-
Broadband Roundup1 month agoCable Industry Touts Energy Efficiency, Next Century Highlights Open Access Fiber, Aspen Forum Set
-
Drones1 month agoGreater Commercial Use of Drones Will Force Revisions of Federal Aviation Administration Regulations, Say Experts
-
Fiber1 month ago‘Dig Once’ Provides Future-Proofing Solution for Federal Highway Infrastructure, Says BroadbandNow
-
Free Speech4 weeks agoPart IV: As Hate Speech Proliferates Online, Critics Want to See and Control Social Media’s Algorithms