- Governor signs House Bill 1329 into law bringing rural residents closer to broadband internet service- Today, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville), accompanied by his wife Ashley, attended a bill singing ceremony for his legislation, House Bill 1329, which passed the General Assembly during the 2008 session.
The new law signed today goes into effect July 1, 2008 and provides a solution to the deficit in rural areas of broadband build out by leveraging all of the state's existing assets (towers, high structures, etc.) to facilitate the deployment of networks to give citizens who do not have this service the same accesss to telecommunication as those who do, namely in metro/urban areas throughout the state.
The new code section will expedite broadband service delivery to "unserved" areas across the 97th District and the Commonwealth, enhancing first responder ability to communicate in areas currently lacking cell/radio coverage, and serve to create an opportunity for economic development coordinators to provide additional incentives to draw business and industry to rural areas in the Commonwealth. The measure also creates a moderate revenue stream to cover the costs of maintenance.
"Offering of broadband and wireless internet service will be a huge advancement for those living in rural areas throughout Virginia. There is a great nexus between economic development and broadband access. I am looking forward to working with the private service providers to implement this new program," Peace said.
Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his second term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The District includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.