« Env't. - Several stories today | Main | Ind. Law - Senate likely to OK gay-marriage ban, panel's leader says »

Thursday, January 27, 2005

Ind. Gov't. - More on broadband issue

The Muncie Star-Press has a story today on HB 1148, headlined "Bill would disconnect government from broadband service." It begins:

Broadband communication is growing in Indiana, and there's a debate in the Legislature about whether local government should be involved.

State Rep. Jack Lutz, R-Anderson, chairman of the House Utility and Energy Committee, authored a bill that would prohibit local government from owning or operating telecommunications, cable or other information services if private industry already provides or intends to offer the service.

While SBC and other telecommunications companies support the legislation, representatives of Indiana Cities and Towns Association oppose it, saying it would virtually stop government from entering the broadband market.

"It is not my intent to rob anybody out of high speed broadband access," Lutz said. "This is a bill that is still under construction."

Matt Greller, IACT's executive director, said municipal officials oppose the bill because it would eliminate competition for broadband service.

"This bill would drag out the time it will take to bring broadband to every home or business," said Greller, pointing to the requirement of public hearings and studies to decide whether other providers could offer service.

Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold recently took action to get wireless broadband in that city to attract and keep business. Greller said government, especially in rural areas, had to step in when private telecommunications companies said the market was not there.

Access Tuesday's ILB entry on this topic here.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on January 27, 2005 10:55 AM
Posted to Indiana Government