Single Payer Broadband? The Broadband Plan and The Movement for a People's Media

[Commentary] As we arrive at the end of the long health care reform battle with something less than nirvana, media activists have been waiting with bated breath for the release of the long-awaited National Broadband Plan from the Federal Communications Commission. Well over a year in the making, the plan sets a course for the future of the online communications system -- a system that materially affects every American's ability to access information and express themselves. It's not exactly the public option.

Despite market failure, which is analogous to the failure of Blue Cross and Aetna to deliver the highest life expectancies and lowest rates of infant mortality, the plan provides few other options. That's not because there aren't any. Cities and states all over the country have been looking at the possibility of public networks. The FCC admits this may be a last resort for difficult-to-cover areas the market has no profitable solution for. Why a last resort? Why have 18 states passed laws banning municipalities from offering any wholesale or retail broadband services? Is it because they might do it better? More competition should never be considered a last resort.