This article is more than 1 year old

If cities want to run their own broadband, let 'em do it, Prez Obama tells FCC

... in a nicely written plea to the comms watchdog

President Obama wants US internet watchdog the FCC to overturn bans on city-run broadband in America.

The White House has sent FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, and his fellow commissioners, a letter requesting city governments be allowed to build and administer their own fiber networks.

"Today, President Obama is announcing a new effort to support local choice in broadband, formally opposing measures that limit the range of options available to communities to spur expanded local broadband infrastructure, including ownership of networks," administration officials said.

"As a first step, the Administration is filing a letter with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging it to join this effort by addressing barriers inhibiting local communities from responding to the broadband needs of their citizens."

At issue are 19 laws that various US states have passed that prevent government agencies from establishing businesses that would compete with private entities – those being ISPs like Comcast and AT&T. The laws, designed to promote the growth of private enterprise over public services, include bans that would prevent cities from establishing their own municipally owned ISPs where private service providers already operate.

Some metropolises, rightly, don't believe they are getting an adequate service from the cable giants, and wish to provide high-speed options for citizens at a lower cost. Cities such as Chattanooga, TN, and Cedar Rapids, IA, were cited by Prwz Obama places that have opted to build their own networks for such reasons.

If history is any indication, the FCC – led by a former cable industry lobbyist – will be open to overturning the laws on broadband competition. Last year, Chairman Wheeler threatened states that sought to block cities attempting to establish their own broadband networks.

Naturally, America's telco giants hate the idea of city-funded competition.

"The President’s focus today on using taxpayer money to compete with commercial providers, which are pouring billions in private capital every year into US broadband infrastructure and jobs, is the wrong path forward," industry body CITA claimed. ®

More about

TIP US OFF

Send us news


Other stories you might like