Net neutrality fight heads to California capital

The battle over network neutrality rules that were overturned in Washington in Dec moved into Sacramento (CA) on Jan 3. CA State Sen Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced a bill to require telecommunications companies doing business in the state to guarantee equal Internet access. “We will protect a free and open Internet in our state,” State Sen Wiener said. “We won’t let the FCC undermine our democracy.” SB822 would try to use state Public Utilities Commission regulations governing telecommunications companies to force them to adhere to net neutrality rules. According to a draft, that would include making net neutrality a requirement of cable franchise agreements, state consumer protection laws and the “state-granted right to attach small cell or other broadband wireless communications devices to utility poles.” The bill would also require the state to buy Internet services from companies that practice net neutrality.