On Monday the Georgia Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve the deployment of broadband wireless services. SB 66, the "Streamlining Wireless Facilities and Antennas Act," was sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) and would prepare Georgia communities to better deploy wireless services around public right of ways.

"SB 66 will modernize the deployment of wireless broadband services for Georgia's communities," said Gooch. "Legislators, local government leaders, community stakeholders and technology experts have spent thousands of hours working on this legislation to standardize the small-cell permitting process. Expanding broadband for all who do not have access is one of my top priorities and I hope for favorable consideration by the House on this initiative."

Twenty-two states have already passed similar legislation to prepare for increasing technology demands.

"This legislation is just the beginning of our efforts to bring broadband access to all Georgians," said Gooch. "By streamlining this permitting process, we are strengthening our technology infrastructure and encouraging private providers to better prepare for the demands of the future.”

SB 66 passed the Senate by a vote 53-0. The Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee reported the bill favorably by substitute on Feb. 15.