The Proposed State Route 35 Project

Pursuant to California Public Utilities Code (Pub. Util. Code) § 1001 and D.06-04-063, ExteNet filed an Application with the California Public Utilities Commission (Commission) for authority to engage in ground-disturbing outside plant construction related to the installation of fiber optic cable and related node facilities (collectively referred to as a "Distributed Antenna Communications System" or DAS) primarily in the right-of-way along a portion of State Route 35 in San Mateo County, California (the State Route 35 Project). The Application was filed on June 7, 2010, and included the Proponent's Environmental Assessment prepared by ExteNet pursuant to Rules 2.4 and 2.5 of Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rule).

In this application, ExteNet seeks authorization to construct a fiber-fed DAS system along State Route 35 in San Mateo County. Before filing this application, ExteNet followed the expedited procedure adopted in D.06-04-063 and attempted to obtain a determination from ED that this project is exempt from CEQA. However, because ED determined that due to exceptional and unique circumstances; i.e., Highway 35 is a designated Scenic Highway, it was not appropriate to issue a Notice to Proceed in this instance and that a formal application and CEQA review is required.

The proposed project includes installation of fiber optic cable and related node facilities along a portion of State Route 35. The State Route 35 Project will begin near the town of Woodside, California. The remainder of the project alignment would be located within county road rights-of-way and an existing Pacific Gas and Electric Company utility easement that roughly parallels State Route 35. Construction involves installing 17 new wooden utility poles, approximately 12.5 miles of overhead cable, approximately 1,100 feet of underground cable, and related antenna and node facilities. The project would be constructed in four phases over a period of approximately 11 weeks.

ExteNet states in its application that the proposed project is needed to provide added diversity within the existing telecommunications system, and would ensure that existing systems remain compatible with future technology advances in fiber optic equipment. According to the application, the proposed project would provide greater bandwidth, multiple modes of communication compatible with existing and evolving systems, more predictable delivery of bandwidth, and greater control over the ordering, provisioning, and management of this bandwidth to meet the growing bandwidth needs of customers. The system will be capable of carrying traffic that is classified as broadband, thereby enhancing the development of an advanced telecommunications infrastructure in California. Finally, the communications system would provide cellular phone coverage in an area that currently does not provide such coverage, enhancing public safety as the network may carry 911 traffic.

ExteNet further states in the application that the proposed project would expand and enhance California's national and international telecommunications access and the nation's existing and support future demands for telecommunications services by enabling more networks to exchange traffic across California and enhancing the reliability thereof by using high-quality, state-of-the-art fiber-optic technology. The proposed project would also increase competition among existing telecommunications carriers, and promote opportunities for economic growth in California as businesses shift their focus to information services and technology.