ATLANTA (AP) -- Representatives from rural cities and counties
across Georgia are balking at legislation aimed at public broadband networks proposed by a state senator who says such agencies should play be the same rules as private providers.
Several local governments struck back for nearly an hour on
Thursday, telling a Senate panel they had to create their own
broadband networks when private providers refused to come to their communities.
Senate Bill 313 would prevent public broadband providers from paying for communication networks with tax or government funds and from offering their services at below-cost prices. It would also require local governments to hold hearings and a special election to become a public provider.
Representatives from the major telecommunications networks
voiced support for the plan, which they say encourages competitive fairness.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP 02-02-12 1927EST