Post by Logan on May 6, 2016 22:04:22 GMT -6
High-speed hurdle? Proposed Missouri law would restrict municipal broadband networks
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri cities looking to create their own broadband internet networks could face additional hurdles under legislation making its way through the General Assembly.
The proposed law, filed by Rep. Lyndall Fraker, R-Marshfield, would require cities to seek voter approval before investing significant money in a high-speed internet service and would prohibit the use of revenue earned from other utility services.
The measure has attracted the ire of groups that support broadband expansion.
They say the legislation is meant to stifle municipal internet services and have criticized Fraker and Missouri Republicans for supporting the bill after taking receiving thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from AT&T. Critics say the telecommunications giant stands to benefit if municipalities are prevented from competing in the internet marketplace.
"The most troublesome point in my mind is that in a time when the people of Missouri want better internet access, the state government is trying to limit who can offer it," said Christopher Mitchell, director of community broadband networks initiative for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
Read more: www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2016/05/06/high-speed-hurdle-proposed-missouri-law-would-restrict-municipal-broadband-networks/84016992/
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri cities looking to create their own broadband internet networks could face additional hurdles under legislation making its way through the General Assembly.
The proposed law, filed by Rep. Lyndall Fraker, R-Marshfield, would require cities to seek voter approval before investing significant money in a high-speed internet service and would prohibit the use of revenue earned from other utility services.
The measure has attracted the ire of groups that support broadband expansion.
They say the legislation is meant to stifle municipal internet services and have criticized Fraker and Missouri Republicans for supporting the bill after taking receiving thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from AT&T. Critics say the telecommunications giant stands to benefit if municipalities are prevented from competing in the internet marketplace.
"The most troublesome point in my mind is that in a time when the people of Missouri want better internet access, the state government is trying to limit who can offer it," said Christopher Mitchell, director of community broadband networks initiative for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
Read more: www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2016/05/06/high-speed-hurdle-proposed-missouri-law-would-restrict-municipal-broadband-networks/84016992/