Municipal Districts: The Fix for What Ails Rural Internet?

Rural communities must often get creative if they want to bring broadband to their residents, and sometimes their hands are tied due to state restrictions or a lack of favorable legislation. Smaller municipalities in New Hampshire, however, may soon have the option of forming a multi-town district for the purpose of establishing a broadband system. State Sen. Jeanne Dietsch is at the forefront of just such a legislative effort, which she considers important for the “smallest towns that can’t attract a provider on their own.” At present, the bill that would authorize the multi-town district option has not been finished. Dietsch is still working with legislative service requests. But once the law is written, it will be on the docket for the Legislature’s upcoming session.