A backbone for 5G networks

This is in response to a recent article (July 2, “PA Lawmakers pass bill that could speed 5G deployment”).

Prior to recessing for the summer, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed a bill that’s been a long time coming. The Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act — HB 1621 — unanimously passed the Senate and was approved in the House with a vote of 198-3. The bill establishes a statewide process to deploy small cell antennas, the infrastructure that will serve as the backbone for 5G networks.

The Legislature has been discussing such legislation for four sessions. Thanks to the bipartisan collaboration exhibited by legislators in both chambers, including Beaver County state Rep. Jim Marshall, R-Big Beaver, and Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Ambridge, sponsors of House Bill 1621, Pennsylvania is better positioned to secure private capital earmarked for 5G network expansion. Nearly two-thirds of states had previously adopted statewide legislation so the clock was ticking for Pennsylvania to follow suit.

As the lead economic development agency for Beaver County, we have seen the increased importance that has been placed on reliable connectivity when evaluating prospective economic development sites.

As industrial automation, internet-of-things applications, remote work and online learning become the norm, so too must our acceptance and support of the technology that will allow us to flourish in an increasingly digitized world. The last 16 months have shown us the importance of reliable internet access and those areas that embrace 5G will have a competitive advantage, an advantage we need to embrace.

I’m grateful for the swift action our state elected leaders took to advance small cell legislation and chart a course for improved connectivity in the region.

LEW VILLOTTI President Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development Beaver