Nebraska Lawmaker Advocates for Public Broadband (Again)

The state of Nebraska is a study in contrasts when it comes to essential services. On the one hand, all electric utilities in the Cornhusker state is publicly-owned. On the other hand, public ownership of broadband utilities is strictly prohibited. The lackof a public option for broadband has presented a huge challenge for communities seeking to bring better broadband to their citizens. However a Nebraska lawmaker is trying to change that.

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Senator Justin Wayne of Omaha has introduced a bill (LB916) to create a process whereby some cities in the state could provide municipal broadband services. It is the third time in less than a year that Wayne has pushed for authorizing legislation. The bill has some strong advocates - both the AARP Nebraska and the League of Nebraska Municipalities back the effort. To no one's suprise the Nebraska Telecommunications Association, which represents incumbent carriers in the state, object to the bill.

CLICK HERE to read more abou the legislation at The Daily Nonpreil.