5G Small Cell Bill Heads To Governor Kemp’s Desk

I’ve written a bit about the next generation of mobile broadband. 5G, as it begins to roll out, will be a crucial part of making broadband Internet access available to more Georgians. Key legislation passed both chambers and is heading to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk for his signature.

The legislation is a compromise between the telecommunications industry, the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, and the Georgia Municipal Association that would require companies to place the small cell antennas on decorative poles in historic districts and to keep them hidden in neighborhoods with underground utilities according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle (paywall).

Representative Brett Harrell (R-Snellville) and Senator Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) have been champions of expanding broadband access in our state. This is a major win that they both should be very proud of. This type of legislation doesn’t always make the front page of the newspapers across our great state, but it’s an important economic driver to keeping our state competitive. This is a tremendous step forward in the future of expanding broadband in rural Georgia.