California Governor vetoes bill that preempted local authority in small cell deployments

Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), in a win for CWA members, wireless workers, and consumers, vetoed a bill that would have put industry profits over worker safety by limiting what local governments can do to ensure that 5G wireless equipment is installed safely. The legislation (SB 556) would have put workers at risk, especially if the work was done with low-wage contractors who might cut corners to save money. It also failed to set any requirements for the wireless industry to expand broadband facilities or close the digital divide in exchange for access to utility poles.

Links:

CWA Wins a Major Victory Against the Wireless Industry in California (CWA, Oct. 07, 2021)