GOP overhaul of broadband permit laws: Cities hate it, cable companies love it
4 days ago
- #local government
- #broadband
- #telecom
- Congressional Republicans proposed a plan that local groups call an 'unprecedented federal intrusion' into municipal broadband permitting processes.
- The plan, supported by cable lobby groups, would automatically approve certain telecom projects if local governments fail to meet federal deadlines.
- Local government organizations, including the US Conference of Mayors, strongly oppose the bills, citing loss of local control over infrastructure and public rights-of-way.
- The bills aim to speed up permit approvals and reduce fees for Internet providers, passing a House subcommittee despite bipartisan criticism.
- Critics argue the bills undermine local decision-making, threaten historic and culturally significant sites, and favor large telecom companies over residents.