Denver council members eye broader broadband to address internet inequities

Some Denver City Council members want to explore the city's options for providing internet access to residents who don't have connections. But first, they need to get  permission from voters to take stock of those opportunities, says City Councilman Paul Kashmann. He began a push to put a question on the 2020 ballot that would ask voter approval for Denver to opt-out of a 2005 state law, known as Senate Bill 152, that bars local governments from building broadband infrastructure or entering the market. "The great thing about getting out of (Senate Bill) 152 — it simply allows you to really look at all your options," said Councilman Kashmann. "I think we need to dig deeper, really get an accurate handle on what are the gaps that need to be filled, and then look at what are the options of filling those gaps."