Calif. Senate Panel Clears 100 Mbps Broadband Bill

The California Senate Communications Committee cleared a broadband bill to set a goal of upgrading to at least 100 Mbps downstream as part of a California Advanced Services Fund revamp. The panel voted 11-1 Monday to forward SB-4 to the Judiciary Committee. “It is time to close the digital divide by providing the funding necessary to deploy broadband infrastructure in communities that need it the most and by empowering and enabling local governments and nonprofits to apply for these funds as well,” author Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D) said Monday. Bill sponsors joined FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel last month in backing more ambitious broadband speed standards (see 2103300070). Also at Monday’s hearing, the committee voted 14-0 to clear a bill (SB-28) to expand the California Public Utilities Commission's authority to regulate cable video franchises. It goes next to the Governmental Organization Committee. And the panel voted 14-0 to send to the Human Services Committee a measure (SB-546) to extend a California LifeLine pilot program for foster youth.