DENVER, CO – The bipartisan Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee today advanced three bills, including bills to streamline local permitting, improve the wireless emergency alert system, and create a cell phone infrastructure grant program.
“Cell phone connectivity is really about safety and security; and this bipartisan committee has been working diligently over the interim to forge legislative solutions to the parts of our state that are experiencing poor cell phone coverage,” said Chair Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of Bill 1, 2, 3. “The bills we advanced today will improve emergency alert systems, expand grant opportunities for rural and underserved communities. Staying connected is important, and our legislation brings us closer to a future where every person in our state can rely on their cell phone in an emergency.”
“No matter where you live in Colorado, you deserve affordable and reliable cell phone service,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of Bills 2 and 3. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will help communities, particularly those with limited connectivity, build cell phone infrastructure. Additionally, I’ll be sponsoring legislation to streamline permitting processes for infrastructure projects to make sure we’re able to quickly respond to communities’ cell phone and telecommunication needs and bridge communication gaps.”
“Over the course of the interim, we engaged with industry experts to uncover ways we can improve cell phone connectivity in rural and underserved communities in our state,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of Bill 3. “Legislation we advanced today will improve local permitting for cell phone infrastructure projects so Coloradans can get connected sooner. From calling emergency services or loading directions – reliable cell phone coverage improves the health, safety and well-being of our communities.”
“Our rural and mountainous communities face unique challenges when it comes to reliable cell phone service,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of Bills 1 and 3. “Whether you need to call for emergency support or just stay in touch with family and work, cell service is a vital tool that keeps us connected to our communities. Coverage decisions are largely left to the market, which can underserve areas like my district; this legislation will ensure the state government is a strong partner in coordinating and supporting affordable, complete cell service in Colorado. These bills will also improve the wireless emergency alert systems that Coloradans rely on and expedite permitting of cell phone infrastructure projects.”
Bill 1 sponsored by Sen. Roberts, Rep. Lukens and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, would designate the Colorado Broadband Office as a central policy coordination entity for cell service in the state. It would also streamline and improve wireless emergency alert systems. Specifically, the bill would require the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop a single point of contact to improve statewide coverage. Bill 1 would also help integrate public alert and warning systems for emergency alerts, provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions and offer recommendations to improve wireless alert systems.
Bill 2, sponsored by Rep. Soper, Rep. Lukens, and Sen. Hinrichsen, would create a grant program to help communities build more cell phone infrastructure. Bill 2 would establish a wireless telephone infrastructure grant program similar to the broadband deployment grant program. Grants would be awarded to communities and neighborhoods with limited cell phone connectivity.
Bill 3, sponsored by Rep. Lukens, Assistant Majority Leader Bacon, Sen. Roberts and Sen. Hinrichsen, would improve local permitting for cell phone and telecommunications infrastructure. The bill would require applications for cell phone infrastructure projects submitted to a local government to be approved within specified timetables if necessary conditions are met. The goal of Bill 3 is to provide efficiency and consistency for wireless carriers seeking to expand cell phone connectivity and bridge connection gaps for Coloradans living across the state, especially in rural and underserved communities.
The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the standard legislative process.