Schwarzenegger Forms California Broadband Task Force

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger held a press event to announce a new task force for promoting broadband networking in California. The event highlighted the possibility of telemedicine.



Schwarzenegger signed an executive order designating one state agency -- Business, Transportation & Housing (BT&H) -- as lead coordinator for implementing the state's broadband policy. The agency will create a database linking private broadband companies with state transportation agencies, permitting companies to better coordinate fiber optic installation. It will also establish a pricing policy for private companies paying for "rights-of- way" access to state roads. Previously, charges to lay fiber varied widely--the order sets pricing based on actual costs incurred by the State.



The event was held less than two weeks before the election.http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/press-release/4575/