Commissioner Michael O'Reilly on Municipal Broadband

It is clear that the Obama Administration doesn’t believe in the independent nature of the FCC. It is disappointing that the FCC’s leadership is without a sufficient backbone to do what is right and reject this blatant and unnecessary interference designed to further a political goal. Substantively, this missive is completely without statutory authority and would be a good candidate for court review, if adopted. In reality, this debate is about preempting a state’s right to prevent taxpayer rip-offs. Municipal broadband has never proven to be the panacea that supporters claim and the Administration now boasts. Instead, we have seen a long track record of projects costing more than expected and delivering less than promised.