Representative Perone's 'Wi-Fi' Bill Signed Into Law By Governor Rell, State To Develop 'World Class' Network
State Rep. Chris Perone
July 17, 2007

Last week Governor M. Jodi Rell signed into law House Bill 7282, "An Act Concerning Property Tax Delinquencies of Telecommunications Companies," which will provide an increase in statewide high speed broadband internet access. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Chris Perone (D-Norwalk), hailed the signing as "a landmark moment for our state's communications infrastructure."

"This bill helps level the playing field and is a big step in creating statewide internet access," Rep. Perone said. "It is my goal, and belief, that Connecticut will 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 by the Speaker of the House, two by the President pro-tempore of the Senate and one by the Majority Leaders of the House and Senate and one by 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' is a critical element of this new law," said Rep. Perone. "The group will ensure that the state not only keeps pace with technology, but will remain step ahead in pursuing new ideas in internet communication."

During the legislative session last spring, the bill passed out of the house 149-0 and through the Senate unanimously. 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 small business owner and need to be on the road across a town or city," 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."

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