Broadband bill passes North Carolina House

North Carolina House lawmakers have given final approval to a measure that would make it much more difficult for municipalities to set up their own broadband service – even when telecom companies refuse to serve them.

H129, the “Level Playing Field” bill, is backed by Time-Warner, CenturyLink, and other telecoms who say cities have unfair advantages in competing with commercial interests. Bill sponsor Marilyn Avila (R-Wake) says businesses need protection from “predatory” local governments. “We have to have some sort of framework that everybody understands when you go into this. This bill is going to establish those rules.” The measure would not apply to systems currently operating in Salisbury, Wilson, Mooresville/Iredell, and Morganton. But it would restrict cities who might consider offering similar services.