Representative Perone Sponsors Legislation To Help Connecticut Develop "World-Class Communications Network"
State Rep. Chris Perone
June 6, 2007

A House of Representatives Bill designed to increase accessibility to high-speed broadband internet throughout the state was unanimously approved Wednesday. The bill, HB 7282 "An Act Concerning Property Tax Delinquencies of Telecommunications Companies," was sponsored by Rep. Chris Perone (D-Norwalk), who hailed it's acceptance as "historic."

"This bill is an important first step in creating state wide internet access," Rep. Perone said. "Ultimately, I believe that we will see Connecticut become a state with a world-class communications infrastructure."

The bill calls for the creation of a "Broadband Coordinating Council," which will be composed of 10 members from both the public and private sectors. Two of the members will be appointed by the Governor, two from the Speaker of the House, two from the President pro-tempore of the Senate and one from the Majority Leaders of the House and Senate and one from the Minority Leaders of the House and Senate. The duties of the Council are two-fold: to monitor the state's development into a leader in top-of-the-line communications and to report to the General Assembly on any matters of technology that they are aware of that require immediate attention.

"The 'Broadband Coordinating Council' ensures that the state not only keeps pace with technology, but will stay step ahead in pursuing new ideas in internet communication," said Rep. Perone.

Under the legislation, state municipalities will receive broadband internet access, allowing citizens to go online anywhere in the town. Aimed at targeting students, small business owners and independent contractors, the increased accessibility to the internet could provide countless benefits.

"Imagine if you are a real estate agent and need to drive across a town or city to show a house," Rep. Perone said. "If you get a phone call on the way telling you to check your e-mail instantly, you'll just be able to pull over to the side of the road and open up your laptop to immediately be able to read it. The bill targets our increasingly mobile and busy society, and tries to make life easier on them."

The vote tally in the House was 149-0. The bill now awaits further action in the Senate.

Rep. Christopher Perone is serving his second term representing the 137th Assembly District of Norwalk. He is Vice Chair of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee, and is a member of the Education and Transportation Committees.

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