About Half the Public Thinks Local Governments Should Be Able to Pursue Their Own Broadband Network Build-Outs

As the pandemic continues to underscore the importance of reliable, at-home internet service, debate rages over whether local governments should be permitted to build out and run their own broadband networks, either on their own or with the help of a private partner. The White House, in its infrastructure proposal released earlier this month, has thrown its support behind allowing municipalities to explore such options. And a new Morning Consult poll suggests many adults agree with that stance: 53 percent of US adults said local governments should be able to explore having their own internet services — but they tend to trust local governments less than private internet companies to carry out the job on their own.

• 54% said they had either “a lot” or “some” trust in local governments to give them the best at-home internet service, compared to 75% who said the same about private internet providers.

• Eighteen states currently make it prohibitively difficult for towns to consider local internet service options.

• Just 14% of adults said local governments should not be allowed to consider municipal broadband options.