Wireless Carriers suffer major blow as small-cell bill vetoed in California

Gov Jerry Brown (D-CA) vetoed a bill that would have streamlined policies for small-cell deployments, handing CTIA - The Wireless Association and major wireless carriers a significant defeat in the nation’s most populous state. The bill, SB 649, essentially would have given wireless companies the same rights as public utilities. It would have enabled carriers and infrastructure vendors to place transmitters in public rights-of-way and capped fees cities could charge to install their devices.

The bill had become a top priority for CTIA, which claimed it would boost California’s economy and pave the way for faster network speeds, better coverage and increased capacity. But it was opposed by some 300 California cities, dozens of counties more than 100 local organizations. “There is something of real value in having a process that results in extending this innovative technology rapidly and efficiently,” Gov Brown said. “Nevertheless, I believe that the interest which localities have in managing rights of way requires a more balanced solution than the one achieved in this bill.”