Last year, lawmaker called on FCC to strengthen and expand municipal broadband

Washington (January 14, 2015) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today applauded the White House announcement to expand broadband access across the country, including echoing Senator Markey’s call on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to eliminate barriers to communities building out their own broadband infrastructure. In June 2014, Senator Markey and Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Penn.), along with six Senate and House Democrats, urged the FCC to use its authority to ensure local communities are not inhibited if they wish to pursue the creation of their own broadband networks. In the letter, the lawmakers wrote to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, “Communities are often best suited to decide for themselves if they want to invest in their own infrastructure and to choose the approach that will best work for them.” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has made previous statements supporting municipal broadband efforts in light of state level efforts throughout the country to restrict community broadband efforts.

“Local communities should have the opportunity to decide for themselves how best to promote competitive broadband service,” said Senator Markey. “What the broadband market needs today are more options and greater local choice, not barriers that prevent cities and towns from participating fully in the global economy. Broadband communications networks are key to economic growth and competitiveness, both at the local and national levels.  I once again urge the FCC to use its authority to lift restrictions and ensure municipalities have the power to make decisions about their broadband infrastructure.”

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