At a panel co-sponsored by Crown Castle and featuring Google Fiber, the BroadLAND campaign highlighted the benefits of the Checklist in a conversation with more than a dozen leading mayors.
The panel featured Long Beach, Calif., Mayor Rex Richardson who highlighted the economic impact of faster infrastructure deployment, stressing the need for batch permitting and the benefits of competition and colocation. Jerry Weiers, Mayor of Glendale, Ariz., talked about rapid deployment of 5G to prepare for last year’s Super Bowl and other major events where broadband is critical.
Rebecca Hussey, Associate General Counsel, Government Relations at Crown Castle, spoke to the five points for success detailed in the Checklist and urged mayors to ensure broadband money is spent on broadband projects. This includes having transparent review and smart restoration. Ariane Schaffer, Public Policy and Government Affairs Manager for Google Fiber, talked about streamlining for speed and embracing innovations like micro trenching.
“The BroadLAND Checklist will help local leaders prepare for successful infrastructure deployment that attract competition and private investment to ensure new networks drive the jobs of the future and make 'Internet for All' a reality,” said INCOMPAS CEO and BroadLAND co-chair Chip Pickering, who opened the panel with co-chair and former FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn.
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