Gov Newsom Returns Bill on Utility Pole Usage, Broadband

In a letter to the California State Senate, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) refused to sign Senate Bill 556 which would prohibit local electric utilities from "unreasonably denying" the leasing or licensing of utility poles to communications service providers. The bill would also require mobile service providers to measure and report their progress towards meeting the goal of universal broadband access for the areas they provide service. "This bill would restrict the ability of local governments and publicly-owned electric utilities to regulate the placement of small cell wireless facilities on public infrastructure and limit the compensation that may be collected for use of these public assets," said Newsom. "There is a role for local governments in advancing our broadband efforts. Part of our achievements laid out in the broadband budget bill, SB 156, enables and encourages local governments to take an active role in last-mile deployment and, in doing so, drive competition and increase access. My Administration has worked closely with the Legislature on broadband. I look forward to further discussions as we continue to make a  meaningful impact on achieving our collective broadband efforts."