Wine Country Times

Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa) recently took to Twitter to highlight the benefits rural residents will reap from Assembly Bill 41, which he introduced in December to improve various aspects of California’s broadband infrastructure system.

“I'm presenting #AB41 in C&C Comm. Broadband (BB) isn't a want, it's a need,” he tweeted. “This one focuses on helping #rural folks who cannot get BB because it's not profitable to BB companies. Let's lay conduit during roadwork upgrades and provide maps to see where opportunities for lines exist.”

The California assembly contributor received 11-1 votes in favor of the bill. In 2016, his AB 1549 bill was signed into law, requiring the Department of Transportation to send construction project notifications to broadband installation companies.

"Today in Natural Resources Committee I had something to say on several bills–all with worthy goals that may work well in urban areas, but I find myself bringing the #rural perspective and their unique challenges to the conversation. I'll keep doing it. #RuralCommunitiesCount,” Wood tweeted.

One of the main components Wood plans to tackle with the bill is the state’s “Dig Once” policy, intended to limit permitted excavations during a telecommunications system installation. As a result, infrastructure deployment costs are minimized, promoting financial development. He also addressed the lack of broadband accessibility among school and health care systems, particularly during the pandemic.

“There are many ways to approach the challenges we face in developing a broadband infrastructure that supports the needs of all Californians,” Wood said. “One way is to take a look at already existing Department guidelines that may require us to address some steps they have taken that may not be facilitating installation of conduit in the most effective way. I look forward to working with the Department and stakeholders to develop legislation that improves California’s 'Dig Once' policy and expedites the deployment of broadband infrastructure in communities that are currently unserved and underserved.”