Bills in California, backed by Big Telecom, have been presented to "Streamline" 5G installations of "small" cell towers in cities, towns, and neighborhoods. These bills are examples of what is likely being or will be presented in each state.

Currently, a wireless "small" cell tower installation must go through the City Planning Commissioners and City Council, with public hearings. This process could take a year or more with local opposition and this means more money for Telecom. Two new California bills would remove this process. They would, if passed, enact an egregious corporate takeover of the public commons, allowing installation on telephone poles and light poles without a city official approval process. For people who have homes across the street (or on the same side of the sidewalk) from where these small cells are installed, this has meant that they had to move within days or weeks to protect their health.

Telecom has introduced bills in BOTH houses to remove local control. Deadline for comment April 8 and April 14.

Please take a moment to watch this important news story.

The Senate Bill gives Telecom control over all public poles, and the Assembly bill literally removes "municipal" oversight of antennas from the state constitution.

See flyer for SB 556 here.

We need local electeds to oppose before April 8 and 15.  The opposition needs to be filed through the legislative portal. Go to the committee websites and establish an account and password to upload your opposition.

See flyer for AB 537.

What is the solution?

The Federal Infrastructure bill includes funding for broadband, but there is a preference for wired fiber optic to and into the premises because it is easier to upgrade (future!), more reliable (in weather storms and FIRES), it is MUCH more energy-efficient, more cyber secure, faster and with better voice quality, safer. If set up as a municipal utility (even partnering with private companies), it can make money for the city or county and the municipality can subsidize low-income residents.  If Telecom puts an antenna on every pole and municipalities are removed from their constitutional role, we will never bridge the digital divide and never have wired internet.

Firefighters don't want cell towers - why should you? 

https://ehtrust.org/firefighter-unions-opposing-cell-towers/

Watch this great news story on SB 649 

California residents, TAKE ACTION TODAY!

AB 537 Quirk (D) comment deadline April 8, at 5 pm and hearing on April 14 Ass Loc Gov

You need to look at earlier versions to see that municipal control is deleted from the constitution!

SB 556 Dodd (D) comment deadline April 14, at 5 pm and hearing on April 19 Sen Energy Util Communications.

Please see the sample (but use your own words as much as possible)

SB 556 Sample City Opposition Letter

If you are not in California, contact your City Commissioner and impress upon them the importance of maintaining local jurisdiction of the installation of small cell towers. Without this control, small cell towers could go up on every street lamp, telephone pole, or building near your home.

Share this educational video by Cece Doucette about better technology solutions!

THANK YOU for taking action for the good of ALL residents and wildlife in California!