Bills target pubilc broadband and wi-fi
The Tallahassee Democrat (of all places) brings word of an attempt to stymie Florida municipalities’ efforts to build public broadband and wi-fi networks. According to the story:
The bill would stop local governments already in the communications business from acquiring new customers until certain steps had been taken.
It would bar cities…from acquiring new customers for existing systems and make any other city go through a lengthy review process before it could start broadband or Internet service.
(Hat tip to Slashdot)
A similar effort is underway in Indiana, the Indianapolis Star reported on February 1. In that story it’s a clash of the titans, lobbyist vs. consultant:
“What’s the right approach?” said Mike Marker, a lobbyist for SBC. “For cities and towns to partner with private companies? Or to create public subsidies so that cities and towns can get into the risky business of telecommunications?”
While the bill has received little public attention, it could have broad ramifications for consumers. Critics say the bill would…virtually eliminate the only real option that some rural towns have to move beyond sluggish, dial-up access to the Internet.
“If people don’t have these services, then these communities fall behind economically,” said Bunnie Riedel, a Maryland-based consultant who often represents municipalities on cable and telecom issues.
