Telecom Firms Seek to Curb Publicly Funded Web Services

Sensing a threat to their business model, telecom companies are pushing more states to curb the spread of publicly funded high-speed Internet access, arguing the networks could squash competition.

Time Warner Cable Inc., Windstream Corp., Comcast and AT&T are among the companies that have gotten involved in the push in various states. In Georgia this year, Arkansas-based Windstream is leading the charge for a bill that would outlaw new public broadband service in census tracts where a private company offers some kind of broadband. Small-town mayors and county boards have pushed back, saying they want to build or improve networks because private companies won't. At least 19 states have placed some sort of limit on publicly funded Internet networks. The spread of such legislation comes as Americans are increasingly relying on high-speed Internet the same way earlier generations relied on telephone service or broadcast television.