PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 1520, 1817 PRINTER'S NO. 1879
No. 206 Session of 2007
INTRODUCED BY RHOADES, PUNT, STOUT, ARMSTRONG, WASHINGTON,
TOMLINSON, MUSTO, TARTAGLIONE, LOGAN, M. WHITE, RAFFERTY,
C. WILLIAMS, EARLL, KITCHEN, D. WHITE, DINNIMAN, FUMO, FERLO,
PILEGGI, BROWNE, REGOLA AND BOSCOLA, NOVEMBER 2, 2007
AMENDED, APRIL 1, 2008
A RESOLUTION
1 Directing REQUESTING the Legislative Budget and Finance <--
2 Committee to study the improvement and enhancement of
3 telecommunications coverage in the cell phone industry.
4 WHEREAS, Telecommunications infrastructure is essential for
5 all economies to compete in a global marketplace; and
6 WHEREAS, As a rural State, Pennsylvania is particularly
7 dependent on wireless communication services to connect
8 Pennsylvania businesses and communities to the global community;
9 and
10 WHEREAS, A strong telecommunications infrastructure can be a
11 catalyst for encouraging entrepreneurial activity, expanding
12 cultural and tourism opportunities, creating new technology and
13 financial sector jobs, rebuilding our downtown areas and
14 enhancing the overall economic health of our communities; and
15 WHEREAS, A strong telecommunications infrastructure is not
16 possible when Pennsylvania's wireless communications network is
17 plagued by costly consumer requirements, as well as geographical
1 challenges in rural areas; and
2 WHEREAS, Gaps in cell phone service exist in some regions of
3 this Commonwealth, which result in interruption or lost
4 telecommunication coverage; therefore be it
5 RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
6 is hereby requested to study ways to improve telecommunication
7 coverage and eliminate gaps in cell phone service in areas of
8 Pennsylvania WHILE ENCOURAGING COLLOCATION AND USE OF EXISTING <--
9 STRUCTURES FOR TOWERS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO UNNECESSARY
10 PROLIFERATION OF CELL TOWERS; and be it further
11 RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
12 develop RECOMMENDATIONS FOR policies to encourage wireless <--
13 carriers to improve wireless coverage throughout Pennsylvania;
14 and be it further
15 RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
16 report to the regular session of the General Assembly SENATE AND <--
17 THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES on or before June OCTOBER 1, 2008, <--
18 on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with
19 drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
20 recommendations; and be it further
21 RESOLVED, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, <--
22 to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid
23 from legislative appropriations to the Legislative Budget and
24 Finance Committee; and be it further
25 RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee,
26 upon completion of the telecommunication coverage study prepare
27 a plan outlining policy recommendations that will improve
28 telecommunication coverage throughout Pennsylvania.
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