What happened at the VATOA Annual Meeting, June 10

Post date: May 27, 2016 7:26:10 PM

THE VATOA ANNUAL MEETING, taking place at the Virginia Beach Town Center Economic Development Board Room, had some great presentations by leaders in their respective fields. The following presentations were made.

Matthew B. Arvay, CIO, City of Virginia Beach - All Things Fiber inVirginia Beach, The Next Wave. Matt Arvay gave an impressive description of their fiber optic cabling project that will bring high speed broadband to most government buildings and schools. Just as exciting is the new development of a project to make Virginia Beach the only Transatlantic fiber connection to Europe between New Jersey and Florida.

Gerry Lederer, Esq. Attorney, BB&K -- The Row* over R.O.W.: SitingWireless Facilities within the Rights of Way. Gerry reviewed a number of trips and traps, tips and tricks to the business of small cell antenna siting under changing Federal regulations and laws.

Joseph Lerch, Virginia Association of Counties - HB 1347, Wirelesscommunications infrastructure bill: Prohibitions on localities from chargingfees in approving wireless infrastructure. Joe discussed with the assembled ears the importance of some upcoming Virginia legislation that may affect local jurisdictions' ability to charge for tower applications, as well as a host of other concerns for zoning, etc. The initial industry-led draft is here. Feel free to download, comment and send to me at Rbillingsley@Arlingtonva.us or to the VATOA Email List.