Posted by: thepinetree on 10/05/2013 12:02 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 10/05/2013 12:02 PM
Expires: 01/01/2018 12:00 AM
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Broadband Deployment Bill Signed into Law
Sacramento, CA...The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) applauds Governor Jerry Brown for signing into law Senate Bill 740, which helps expand broadband deployment in rural California. Several weeks ago, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 740, authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-San Fernando Valley), which revises the activities of the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF). The CASF, administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), provides grants to bridge the “digital divide” and secure greater broadband services in California’s un-served and underserved areas. Funding for the CASF originates from a modest surcharge that California residents pay on their monthly phone bills...
“Nearly 1.4 million rural California residents lack broadband access, making it difficult to obtain basic services and information in California’s rural counties,” said Kevin Cann, RCRC Chair and Mariposa County Supervisor. “In today’s digital world, it is imperative to our rural economic viability that our communities are connected to the information, goods, and services they need. SB 740 helps fulfill the state’s commitment to help ensure universal access to basic telecommunications services in all areas of the state.”
SB 740 authorizes the CPUC to award broadband infrastructure grants and loans to an expanded group of eligible entities. The measure also provides an additional $90 million over the next several years to ensure applications are funded and broadband deployment occurs.
“RCRC thanks Senator Padilla for his hard work in getting SB 740 enacted into law,” said Supervisor Cann. “Whether it is school children getting connected or public safety services being coordinated through a digital network, we owe Senator Padilla a debt of gratitude.”
about Rural County Representatives of California (rcrc)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a thirty-three member county strong service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. The RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter.
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