Telecom companies don’t want to compete with local governments to provide Internet to residents, but a recent rule by the federal government allows them to do just that. Pushback has come from an unlikely source: state attorneys general.
"Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission voted to ease the way for cities to become Internet service providers," according to an article by Leticia Miranda. That decision came despite lobbying by the cable and telecom industry, which continue to resist the law. In fact, the industry has found support in resisting municipal broadband from an unlikely source: state governments.
According to Miranda, "attorneys general in North Carolina and Tennessee have recently filed lawsuits in an attempt to overrule the FCC and block towns in these states from expanding publicly funded Internet service." The lawsuits by North Carolina and Tennessee are just the latest examples of states allying with cable and telecommunications companies. "Roughly 20 states have restrictions against municipal broadband," reports Miranda.
Miranda provides details about the current lawsuits, but also notes the growing trend of lobbyists and contributors targeting state attorneys general, as reported in a New York Times article by Eric Lipton from October 2014.
FULL STORY: How States Are Fighting to Keep Towns From Offering Their Own Broadband
Cities Sue Feds Over 5G Rules
Cities want more control over the deployment of 5G technology. The federal government has been working to limit local regulatory powers over new wireless technology.
Private Telcos More Expensive Than Municipal Broadband 85% of the Time
A Harvard study found that, in 27 communities and cities with both private and city owned internet, the municipal broadband was almost always cheaper.
Multiple Lawsuits Aim to Save NYC Congestion Pricing
Environmental and transit advocacy groups, along with the MTA, are suing USDOT over its recent crusade to end the cordon pricing program.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)