PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo signed into law on Oct. 5 new legislation to pave the way for Rhode Island to become an early adopter of the next-generation 5G wireless network.
The law, sponsored by Rep. Stephen R. Ucci, D-Johnston, and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma, D-Middletown, allows wireless service providers to install the equipment necessary to establish a 5G network in Rhode Island using existing infrastructure such as poles, water towers, buildings and other public structures.
Redefining Higher Education: The Strategic Imperative of a Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree
For over a century, the structure of undergraduate education has remained largely unchanged—typically requiring four…
Learn More
Both sponsors said the law was designed to encourage high-tech business growth in the state while also allowing Rhode Islanders to take advantage of new technology and the fastest wireless speeds available.
“Having the most up-to-date, high-speed communications networks widely available throughout Rhode Island would be a huge selling point for the kinds of startups and growing firms that are the future of our economy and can offer Rhode Islanders high-paying jobs,” said DiPalma in a statement. “This legislation is a way to position our state to add state-of-the-art communications capability to the many advantages we already offer businesses.”
The term “5G” refers to the fifth generation of wireless mobile networks, currently in development as a replacement for the 4G network standard in use by wireless service providers today. The Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance predicts that 5G networks will provide faster wireless speeds, improve wireless coverage and enable the cutting-edge technologies of the future such as the Internet of Things.
Service providers are expected to begin the rollout of 5G by 2020, the NGMN Alliance said.
The new Rhode Island legislation does not allow providers to install anything on private property without the owner’s permission. While the installation work is subject to normal building, electrical and public right-of-way codes and any other permits normally required of communications service providers, the law ensures that no new laws or fees are set up to limit or discourage wireless service providers from installing or maintaining a 5G network.
The law was co-sponsored by Rep. Thomas Winfield, D-Smithfield; Rep. Daniel P. McKiernan, D-Providence; and Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty, D-South Kingstown, in the House of Representatives. In the Senate, co-sponsors included Sen. Daniel Da Ponte, D-East Providence; Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, D-South Kingstown; and Sen. Ryan W. Pearson, D-Cumberland.
Galen Auer is a PBN contributing writer. Email galen.auer@gmail.com or follow on Twitter at @PBNAuer.
