CLIC learned late yesterday that Rep. Blackburn (R-TN) plans to propose an amendment on July 15 to House Appropriation bill HR 5016, that would preclude the FCC from using any of its funding to preempt state laws that prohibit communities from building broadband systems.
In a letter, CLIC’s CEO reminded the House of Representatives how Congress has long recognized that ensuring that all Americans have reasonable and timely access to advanced telecommunications capabilities, particularly in rural and other high-cost areas, is “the great infrastructure challenge of our time.” CLIC calls on Congress to let communities decide their broadband futures for themselves, and to oppose this attempt to end such local internet choice.
“Our members believe that communities should be free to decide to work with willing incumbents, enter into public-private partnerships, develop their own networks, if necessary, or do whatever else may work for their citizens, businesses, and institutions.”
“At this critical time in our country’s history, we should not preclude or inhibit any potentially successful strategy that will enable our communities and America as a whole to thrive in the emerging knowledge-based global economy. Nor can we afford to take off the table any approach that may be necessary in certain cases to remove barriers to broadband investment and competition.”
Read the letter HERE.
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