Posted: | March 30, 2015 11:33 AM |
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From: | Representative Marty Flynn |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Removing the Prohibition on Municipal Broadband Networks |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would allow municipalities the ability to establish a municipal broadband network. As you know, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted petitions by Chattanooga, TN and Wilson, NC to allow those municipalities to establish their own municipal broadband services. These petitions were granted in spite of these states having laws that limit or prevent municipally-owned broadband networks. The new FCC precedent preempts state law and would allow municipalities across the country and the Commonwealth to pursue their own municipal broadband networks. My legislation would make a correction for the recent FCC ruling and bring Pennsylvania in line with the new federal standards. I feel municipalities in Pennsylvania should be permitted to offer their constituents a reliable, efficient, and affordable service. Broader access to the internet is the fuel that will energize our communities and economies. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |