Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed a bill into law on Thursday that speeds small cell infrastructure deployment to support 5G wireless networks. CTIA, the wireless industry association, said to be deployed successfully, small cells require a streamlined permitting process so states and municipalities can reap the full range of “Smart City” benefits.
Senate Bill 1282 “Provides a uniform procedure for the way in which small cell facilities on existing structures are approved by localities and approved and installed in public rights-of-way. The measure also addresses restrictions by localities and the Department of Transportation regarding the use of public rights-of-way or easements and specifies when a permittee may be required to relocate wireless support structures.”
CTIA President/CEO Meredith Attwell Baker said: “CTIA and the wireless industry commend Governor Terry McAuliffe and the Virginia General Assembly in supporting 5G wireless legislation that will boost business opportunity and enhance consumers’ lives. This bill will deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in wireless-related investment and new job creation, and lead to further innovation across Virginia’s economy.”
Accenture forecasts the wireless industry will make significant infrastructure investments in Virginia, including $179 million in the state capital of Richmond and $371 million in the state’s largest city – Virginia Beach. It predicts investment will create more than 6,000 new jobs while generating wider employment and business benefits for the commonwealth. According to CTIA, seven other states have similar bills in the works – Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Arizona, Colorado, Indiana and Iowa.
June 9, 2017
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