The California Public Utilities Commission is currently in the process of finalising a proposal to secure $1.86 billion in federal funds allocated to the state through a program aimed at closing the digital divide. The goal is to bring reliable high-speed broadband to every unserved and underserved location in California. However, it has been pointed out that the current plan falls short of providing universal internet access.
It is estimated that at least 461,481 locations in California, predominantly households, do not have adequate internet access. This means approximately 1.5 million Californians are depending on policymakers to address this issue.
In order to meet or exceed the Federal Communications Commission’s definition of reliable broadband service, it has been emphasised by both Congress and the state legislature that a “standards-based, technology-agnostic” delivery approach should be adopted. This means considering all available technologies such as fibre, fixed wireless, or satellite. However, the current plan by the CPUC leans towards a fibre-only approach, disregarding the importance of a tech-neutral approach.
While fibre is an excellent means of delivering broadband, it is also known for being prohibitively expensive and time-consuming to deploy. Given the limited time and resources available, it is crucial to consider alternative solutions such as the latest in fixed-wireless access technology. This technology offers the capability to deliver broadband wirelessly, without the need for extensive labour or trenching, making it a cost-effective and efficient option.
The traditional fixed-wireless technology has its limitations, particularly in terms of service speed and reliability, but next-generation fixed wireless access has proven to be a viable and reliable option. It was specifically designed to deliver residential broadband and has the capacity to provide reliable, fibre-class service at mass-scale, making it a valuable alternative for areas where deploying fibre is not feasible.
The current narrow view of fixed wireless technology by the CPUC is deemed to be costly and time-consuming, and it may ultimately lead to numerous Californians being left without reliable broadband access. It is imperative to leverage every possible solution where they are most optimal in order to achieve the goal of providing internet access to all in California.
In conclusion, it is crucial for California to embrace a comprehensive and inclusive approach that considers various technologies to maximise broadband access across the state. With the advancement of new technologies, there is an opportunity to expand reliable broadband service to every unserved and underserved household in California. It is not too late to reassess the current plan and ensure that every Californian has access to reliable broadband.
The article was written by Carl Guardino, the vice president of government affairs and public policy at Tarana.
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