Mobile telephony service base transceiver station towers: performance reliability standards.
The legislation impacts how mobile telephony services are regulated in California, particularly in terms of the reliability of communication infrastructure during emergencies. By establishing standards that require backup battery systems to last a minimum of 72 hours, the bill aims to enhance public safety and ensure that communication remains available even in extended power outages. Failure to comply with these standards would classify as a violation of the Public Utilities Act, thereby creating a new criminal offense.
Senate Bill 925, introduced by Senator Glazer, pertains to the establishment of performance reliability standards for mobile telephony service base transceiver station towers, commonly referred to as cell towers. The bill mandates that the Public Utilities Commission, in collaboration with the Office of Emergency Services, develop specific standards that ensure these towers can maintain functionality during power outages. This includes setting a minimum operational life for backup battery systems of at least 72 hours and implementing notification systems for customers regarding low battery power.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB 925 include concerns regarding the financial implications of implementing these standards for telecommunication providers. Critics may argue that mandating robust backup systems could lead to increased operational costs for mobile telephony service providers, potentially affecting service fees for consumers. Additionally, there may be debates on the technical feasibility of such requirements and whether these standards adequately reflect the best practices in current telecommunications infrastructure.