WIA Disappointed as Calif. Gov. Brown Vetoes Small-Cells Bill

in having a process that results in extending this innovative technology rapidly and efficiently,” Brown wrote in a Sunday veto message to the Senate. “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.” The Wireless Infrastructure Association “is disappointed that Gov. Brown decided to veto this important piece of legislation, which would have spurred the widespread deployment of the wireless infrastructure that is needed to improve network capacity in the near term and provide a foundation for the deployment of 5G networks,” WIA President Jonathan Adelstein said. Local officials and others applauded. "Veto of this bill puts the telecom companies on notice that they have to sit down with local governments and address this issue fairly, and in a way that recognizes local government authority," said California State Association of Counties President Keith Carson. It’s unlikely the California legislature will override the veto, but Brown “is setting the stage for another attempt next year” and it’s a “safe bet that it’ll happen,” blogged Tellus Venture Associates President Steve Blum, who advises local governments on telecom issues. “Getting access to street light poles and traffic signals, among other things, and rolling back the ability of local governments to manage permits for wireless infrastructure is a top priority of telecoms lobbyists.”