Government Broadband Monopolies Bad For Consumers

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[Commentary] On September 21st, President Barack Obama’s Broadband Opportunity Council released its first report. The council outlined four main recommendations for promoting broadband, but the council’s report was also notable for what it left out – any specific mention of municipally-run broadband services.

The omission was particularly stunning considering the Federal Communications Commission voted to overturn municipal broadband laws in North Carolina and Tennessee, a move that will allow government-owned networks (GONs) in that state to expand. President Obama also promoted municipal broadband networks in advance of his State of the Union in January. Perhaps the members of the Broadband Opportunity Council, understand the risks associated with GONs better than the President’s White House advisers, or certain members of the FCC. For policymakers looking to advance broadband in their city, county or state, the White House’s Broadband Opportunity Council offers some suggestions. Those options include streamlining the permitting process for new broadband projects and expanding federal support for broadband investments. Those options are worthy ones to consider, and ones that will truly result in better competitive options for consumers. The Council’s omission of GONs as one of the options is correct. We should avoid broadband at government speeds.

[Pociask is president and CEO of the American Consumer Institute]


Government Broadband Monopolies Bad For Consumers