WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s proposal to approve petitions that would remove barriers to the deployment of community broadband:
“I applaud the FCC’s proposal to preserve the rights of communities trying to make important broadband investments. As mayor of Newark, I saw how cities are often in the best position to innovate and find solutions to the specific challenges facing their residents. Sadly, some states have enacted laws that bar cities from connecting their communities. I’m pleased the FCC is standing up for the rights of municipalities over special interests that may not find it profitable to invest in low-income and rural areas. This FCC action is an important step forward as Americans seeks to leverage its strengths in the digital age.”
Recognizing that municipal broadband can serve as a practical and affordable option to cities, Sen. Booker introduced the Community Broadband Act in January 2015, which would prevent states from enacting laws that ban or significantly hinder communities from making broadband investments. More information on the legislation can be found here.
The Senator further outlined his case for expanding municipal broadband in an op-ed featured in The Record. The full text of Sen. Booker’s op-ed is available here.