Free Wi-Fi Initiates Two Bills

For nearly a year, governments and businesses have argued whether Internet access is a paid privilege similar to telephone and cable services or if municipalities can provide the service for free. Municipalities see free Wi-Fi as necessary to attract new residents, tourists and businesses. Internet service providers see it as a threat to their billion-dollar high-speed access businesses. Two bills have been introduced on the issue, which highlight the divide. Senate bill 1294 says no state can prohibit a municipality from offering broadband to its citizens. House bill 2726 says state and local governments can't offer Internet service if a private provider already does.


Source: Washington Post