It was only a matter of time before the state level community broadband bans being crafted by incumbents went national. Save Muni Wireless reports that HR2726 would ban communities from wiring themselves unless there was "market failure". How is that failure defined? A private business can't be offering anything remotely resembling broadband anywhere nearby. Not surprisingly the author of the "Preserving Innovation in Telecom Act of 2005", Rep. Pete Sessions, is a former SBC employee.
My Personal Response to Congressman Pete Sessions
Dear Congressman Sessions,
I'm writing about proposed legislation H.R. 2726 - which is ironically entitled the "Preserving Innovation in Telecom Act of 2005".
After reading the text of the proposed bill via Thomas Register, it appears this bill will actually provide an exclusive monopolistic arena for telephone and cable companies. At the same time it will lock out localities, municipalities and cities from outfitting themselves with a viable Internet service when the incumbent fails to adequately service the area. This is especially true for rural and smaller communities that the phone and cable companies find econonmically unattractive.
I have yet to hear anyone articulate a well reasoned argument for these sorts of limits. This seems like purely big-business, lobbyist driven legislation.
As a moderate republican in your district, I am strongly apposed to big government moves such as this one. Stay out of the business of municipalities, cities and their citizens. This is a local issue that needs to be handled by the local populations in the areas in question. Please stop trying to hamstring the ability for localities to serve their constituency.
I would also suggest that you contact Texas State Sentor Troy Fraser and spend a few minutes listening to his even handed and well researched opinions and suggestions concerning telecommunications legislation.
In closing, I would encourage you to listen less to the the your former employer, SBC, and their cohorts. Now, after losses in Texas, Florida, and Indiana, they're trying to make it up in Congress and apparently they are hoping you will be their whipping boy in Congress.
Sincerely,
Quite a Mad Constituent
Dallas, Texas
