Governor Wants Lawmakers to Take Another Look at the Broadband Bill

Governor Beverly Perdue doesn’t like HB129 which restricts how local governments can build broadband connections that could compete with private providers. But she says in a press release she wants legislators to take another look at the restrictions.

 “I believe that every school, household and business in North Carolina – no matter where they are – should have access to efficient and affordable broadband services. 

There is a need to establish rules to prevent cities and towns from having an unfair advantage over providers in the private sector.  My concern with House Bill 129 is that the restrictions the General Assembly has imposed on cities and towns who want to offer broadband services may have the effect of decreasing the number of choices available to their citizens. 

For these reasons, I will neither sign nor veto this bill.  Instead, I call on the General Assembly to revisit this issue and adopt rules that not only promote fairness but also allow for the greatest number of high quality and affordable broadband options for consumers.”