AB 1665 Internet for All Now Act of 2017 aims to increase connectivity for Californians
(SACRAMENTO, CA)— Yesterday, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia’s (D-Coachella) AB 1665, The Internet for All Now Act of 2017 passed the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee with resounding support.
“This Internet for All Now Act aims to increase connectivity to the more than 5 million Californian residents stuck on the wrong side of the digital divide and reaffirm our state’s position as a national leader in internet inclusion,” stated Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. “I attribute yesterday’s sweeping success to the dedicated efforts of Chairman Santiago and our bipartisan coalition of legislators, who have united to rectify California’s internet infrastructure shortfall.”
This broadband policy initiative is coauthored by an all-star bipartisan ensemble of legislators; Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), Bonta (D-Oakland), Dahle (R- Bieber), Gallagher (R-Yuba City), Holden (D-Pasadena), Low (D-Silicon Valley), McCarty (D- Sacramento), Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) and Wood (D-Healdsburg).
“This is 2017. In today’s global economy, having internet access is not an option; it is a necessity,” said Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry. “When we invest in broadband expansion and digital literacy, we are investing in education, rural health care access, and economic development.”
“Using this regional approach to provide internet to historically unserved and underserved communities, we will be able to help our schools, students, small businesses, and effectively connect rural constituencies to the rest of the world. This bill will provide services to rural areas of the state that have long been forgotten, or seen as too difficult and remote to provide service,” attested Assemblymember Brian Dahle. “I am proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to close the digital divide and bring rural regions of our state up to speed.”
AB 1665, will allocate $330 million and extend the soon to expire California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) for broadband deployment and adoption in rural and low income urban areas lacking sufficient internet infrastructure.
The CASF was established by the Legislature in 2008 and is administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
This year’s measure will call upon the CPUC to reach a goal of 98% household connectivity per region. AB 1665 also stipulates greater legislative oversight and accountability over the CPUC’s administration of funds to improve the program.
“30% of Californian households do not have access to high speed internet or a computer. In this day and age that is unacceptable. Internet access has become a necessity and should be treated as a right,” professed Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. “Low income urban and rural communities like those of my district are most affected by this deficit. Providing internet connectivity will open up educational, health and economic opportunities to ensure we do not leave behind our most vulnerable.”
“San Diego and Imperial Counties have made great strides across diverse industry clusters over the last decade by working collaboratively as a great example of regional cooperation. But not all citizens have been able to participate in the economic recovery. Businesses that lack sufficient broadband have difficulty remaining competitive. Families have difficulties meeting basic needs, such as medicine, transportation, financial transactions. Students living in rural areas are most affected. Living in internet deficient islands creates a homework gap that drags them further behind their counterparts in the classroom,” said Tim Kelly, President/CEO of Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation. “AB 1665 is a necessary strategy to increase connectivity but it will take the work of many groups collectively to achieve this goal.”
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia maintains his steadfast commitment to hold regular meetings with stakeholders. This inclusive process is pivotal to ensuring this measure reaches the finish line.
AB 1665 has now been referred to the Assembly Appropriations committee.
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland.
