ATLANTA (February 26, 2019) | The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 66, sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega), on Monday, February 25, 2019. This bill, also known as the “Streamlining Wireless Facilities and Antennas Act,” would address the use of public rights of way by wireless providers. SB 66 would streamline wireless broadband deployment by allowing for a standardized application process for 5G companies to collocate small wireless facilities (antennas) on existing or new poles.
“Senate Bill 66 is the result of years of hard work and compromise with local governments, telecommunications conglomerates and members of the General Assembly,” said Sen. Gooch. “With the growing demand for internet access for purposes greater than entertainment, this bill, which similar legislation has already been passed in 22 other states, will ensure that we do not fall behind in meeting the needs of Georgians. I was proud to see Senate Bill 66 pass with unanimous support coming from both sides of the aisle, and I look forward to seeing the House continue moving this important piece of legislation forward.”
Senate Bill 66 is one of three bills (the others being SB 2 and SB 17) introduced this session to address the expansion of broadband into rural parts of Georgia. After its passage in the Senate, SB 66 has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The full text and progress of SB 66 is available at this link: http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20192020/SB/66.
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For Immediate Release:
Feb. 26, 2019
Ines Owens, Director
ines.owens@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028