Georgia Senate passes small-cell wireless broadband bill

The Georgia state senate unanimously passed a bill Feb 25 aimed at making it easier for telecommunications companies to extend small-cell wireless broadband, the latest iteration of the technology, along public rights of way. Meanwhile, separate bills allowing Georgia's electric membership corporations to enter the broadband business, aimed primarily to increase broadband capacity in rural counties, also has cleared the House and won approval in a Senate committee. The 5G bill, which for the time being would benefit mostly urban and suburban communities, would standardize the permit application process statewide. While standardization would benefit the telecom industry by helping streamline applications, the legislation also has won support from groups representing cities and counties. Under a compromise reached between the telecoms, the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association during seven months of talks, the bill would require the companies to place broadband antennas on decorative poles in areas designated as historic districts and keep them out of sight in neighborhoods with underground utilities.