state legislature

Broadband: Four Legislative Step to Ensure Economic Growth

Stevie Converse — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:21:33 -0500

Full article: Progressive States Network
Progressive state legislators can and must lay the framework for how broadband access and adoption will take place in their communities. Because just like with other basic community needs like education, health care, and transportation, broadband access requires the involvement of state legislators to determine how these critical public structures will take shape.

ISPs May Rage, but Uncle Sam Supports City-Owned Internet

Stevie Converse — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:01:31 -0400

Full article: Ars Technica
Nate Anderson
Across the country, states have slapped restrictions on cities that want to offer Internet access as a public utility, and the big commercial ISPs have routinely opposed such projects. But what's the federal government's take? "Hey, could you guys use millions of dollars to extend fiber to more people in your communities?"

Florida Legislature Moves Forward Deregulation of Landline Phone Rates

Stevie Converse — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:18:25 -0400

Full article: Fierece Telecom
Doug Mohney
The Florida Senate's General Government Appropriations Committee approved a version of a deregulation bill to stop state oversight of landline rates and customer service. Two Florida House panels have approved a similar bill.

Deja Vu All over Again in Pennsylvania

Stevie Converse — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:52:29 -0400

Full article: Wet Machine
Harold Feld
The Pennsylvania legislature has introduced a bill that would prevent the state or any local government therein from taking any stimulus money for purposes that would "compete with the private sector." Why would any state legislature want to shut down government services and spurn money for public projects at a time like this?

Is Otter Trying to Kill Broadband in Idaho?

Stevie Converse — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:20:02 -0500

Full article: New West Politics
Sharon Fisher
If Idaho's executive branch is trying to shoot down the prospect of a statewide broadband Internet network, they’re doing a heck of a good job.

Louisiana Senate Approves Video Franchise Bill

Stevie Converse — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:48:36 -0400

Full article: Associated Press
The Louisiana Senate gave final legislative approval to a change in the way cable television providers win franchise rights in that state.