December 11, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed laws from California Senator Invoice Dodd, D-Napa, that goals to enhance broadband and web connectivity throughout California by permitting the state to lease its property to suppliers for deployment of recent infrastructure.

Senate Invoice 387 goals to present Basic Companies extra flexibility in setting lease phrases, creating incentives for broadband suppliers to spend money on much-needed infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, it’s scheduled to permit the division to execute leases on behalf of different state departments equivalent to Caltrans, Parks and Recreation and Fish and Wildlife, with their consent.

“With approval of this new legislation, the state can use its property to generate income whereas engaging suppliers to increase their choices,” Sen. Dodd mentioned in a information launch. “It’ll fill in unserved zones and assist get high-speed information to those that want it for work, college and residential life. I thank the governor for signing it into legislation. ”

Underneath current legislation, the state Division of Basic Companies is proscribed in its capability to execute leases of state-owned actual property that may very well be used to help statewide broadband growth. Such growth may help digital fairness, particularly in underserved communities.

“To outlive in right this moment’s economic system, it’s critically vital to have quick, dependable broadband,” Dodd mentioned. “The issue is, broadband isn’t but deployed adequately or equitably in lots of areas of our state. My proposal ensures the state can successfully companion with web service suppliers to lease state properties for deployment of broadband infrastructure.”