Madison—The Wisconsin State Assembly earlier today approved Assembly Bill 234 authored by Representatives Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) and Jason Fields (D-Milwaukee) creating the regulatory framework for next generation of wireless service in Wisconsin.
“In short, 5G is the next generation of ultra-fast, flexible wireless connectivity. 5G’s promise of greater speed and overall network performance brings huge opportunities not only for video, but also in the Internet of Things … 4K video … augmented and virtual reality … smart homes and cities … autonomous vehicles … and much more,” Kuglitsch said.
5G Cellular Service, or small cell technology, provides enhanced voice and data services by helping to bolster network capacity and allowing for faster downloads and improved call quality. The infrastructure entails the placement of small antennas with some electronics attached to existing utility poles, traffic lights and buildings every 100 feet for consistent coverage. Networks are often deployed in specific locations, mainly dense urban areas, to help enhance connectivity and boost capacity for customers. AB 234 also allows cities, villages and towns to impose setback requirements for macro cell towers around single-family homes, so a 200 foot macro tower would need a 200 foot setback from the property line.
“I am proud to be a co-author of this vital legislation. Residents and businesses in the Milwaukee area and throughout Wisconsin stand to benefit from this bill as it would aid in laying a framework to support and facilitate the high demand for technological advancement. This legislation will help foster necessary investment updating infrastructure for the next generation of wireless connectivity, 5G, bolstering Wisconsin to join all the other Midwest states who are already benefiting from these investments. When Wisconsin succeeds, we all succeed!” said Rep. Fields.
By 2021, the number of 5G connections is forecast to reach a figure between 20 and 100 million globally and spending on 5G mobile infrastructure is forecast around $2.3 billion. From the impending global investment, Wisconsin stands to gain significantly with the passage of Assembly Bill 234.
“Without Assembly Bill 234, companies looking to invest in and deploy 5G technology in Wisconsin would face a multitude of rules, policies and rates across the state’s different municipalities. Instead, AB 234 provides certainty and predictability for wireless providers who need to deploy the necessary infrastructure now to meet consumer demand,” said Rep. Kuglitsch
Kuglitsch stated: “I believe it is our job as legislators to allow innovation and emerging technologies to prosper and be welcome in our state and passage Assembly Bill 234 identifies Wisconsin as a technology leader in the Midwest.”
