Internet Access

On Wednesday, the Public Utilities Committee approved House Bill 1587, which would seriously hinder cities from providing wired and wireless communication services (such as cable, broadband, telephone, internet) by imposing onerous restrictions. This follows closely on the heels of the industry-sponsored video franchise legislation enacted last year that took away authority from municipalities and eliminated build out requirements. I offered an amendment in committee to exempt areas that the industry was not serving from these requirements, but it failed. Three members of the committee voted 'No' on the bill which is opposed by City of Greensboro staff and officials, other North Carolina cities, Dell, and other equipment providers, etc. The bill is now before the House Finance Committee.