Communications: broadband.
Under this legislation, the Rural Broadband Infrastructure Fund will be continuously appropriated in the State Treasury, making available up to $10 billion for broadband infrastructure development over a six-year period. This funding aims to support projects that directly benefit unserved rural areas, ensuring that no household goes without sufficient broadband service. Furthermore, the bill highlights that such service provision is critical not only for educational purposes but also for overall community health and economic resilience.
Senate Bill 732, introduced by Senator Bates, addresses the urgent need for improved broadband access in California, particularly in rural areas that remain underserved. The bill is framed as a response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened awareness of the necessity for reliable internet for remote learning and other communications needs. The bill mandates that the Public Utilities Commission establish the Rural Broadband Infrastructure Fund to provide significant resources for the expansion and enhancement of high-speed internet infrastructure capable of delivering at least 100 megabits per second (mbps) to underserved areas.
The introduction of Senate Bill 732 raises important discussions around state versus local control in broadband deployment and the effective use of public funds. While the bill's supporters advocate for its necessary urgency given the existing digital divide exacerbated by the pandemic, critics might raise concerns about the administrative efficiency of the proposed funding mechanisms and the precise targeting of funds toward the most impacted households. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the balance between ensuring quick deployment and potential oversight necessary to prevent misuse or inefficiencies in funding.