Sen Markey to FCC: Preempt Laws Limiting Municipal Broadband

Sen Ed Markey (D-MA) saluted the White House for President Barack Obama's announced initiatives to boost high-speed broadband deployment and adoption, including "echoing" Sen Markey's call back in June that the Federal Communications Commission "eliminate barriers to communities building out their own broadband infrastructure."

“Local communities should have the opportunity to decide for themselves how best to promote competitive broadband service,” said Sen Markey. “What the broadband market needs today are more options and greater local choice, not barriers that prevent cities and towns from participating fully in the global economy," Sen Markey said. "Broadband communications networks are key to economic growth and competitiveness, both at the local and national levels. I once again urge the FCC to use its authority to lift restrictions and ensure municipalities have the power to make decisions about their broadband infrastructure.”