FRESNO (KMJ) — A proposed state senate bill, which aims to simplify the rules telecom providers have to abide by in California, has vocal opposition from a number of Central Valley cities.
SB649 aims to help the roll out of the next generation of cellular technology, but it would involve limiting the opportunity for local opinion on where the equipment is located.
Local leaders gathered in Fresno Friday morning to voice their opposition to the legislation. Representatives from Fresno, Hanford, Reedley, Visalia, and Firebaugh, were all present to reject the proposed bill.
“This refrigerator sized cabinet is the size that could be placed in front of someone’s home by right,” explains Dr. Jonathan Kramer, a local government attorney and wireless engineer with Telecom Law Firm, P.C..
“Since there are four major wireless companies it’s conceivable that four of these could pop up in front of someone’s home. They wouldn’t have noticed and the local government would be stripped of its opportunity to find a better location.”
The legislation would also allow a smaller sized box to be installed on publicly owned utility poles.
“The financial issue is important, because cities fund police and fire services and other general services from the income of these for profit corporations who use our property for their for-profit enterprises.
“In fact, by lowering the cost to $250 per pole, the real beneficiaries are their shareholders at the expense of local citizens who will not receive fair market rent for the use of their property.”
Those for SB649 state that it would put California at the epicenter of the next Internet revolution and speed up the availability and installation of new technology.
The bill has already passed the State Senate, and is currently awaiting its first reading in the Assembly.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
