Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) is the lead sponsor.
Let him know THIS IS NOT MAGA.
https://long.house.gov/contact/
The bill itself says that "a State or political subdivision thereof may not provide or offer for sale to the public, a telecommunications provider, or to a commercial provider of broadband Internet access service, retail or wholesale broadband Internet access service."
The bill has an exception that would allow existing government networks to continue in cities and towns without substantial broadband competition. States or municipalities that already offer Internet service may continue to do so if "there is no more than one other commercial provider of broadband Internet access that provides competition for that service in a particular area."
https://republicans-energycommerce.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/CONNECT-Act.pdf
I agree this type of shit is gay, but do you really want government broadband? I mean at least they have to ASK the provider right now for your information instead of having a lazy affirmative action hire just doing it because
Yes I do.
When Comcast fucks me over I have to go through mandatory arbitration.
When LOCAL GOVERNMENT screws me over I can vote the bums out (and have!)
Also government broadband has LEGAL PROTECTIONS that Comcast doesn't provide. As someone who worked on their systems I can say people ALL THE TIME were looking up accounts they shouldn't have been. Same with the telcos. When that happens on a GOVERNMENT NETWORK they have broken the CFAA and that "affirmative action hire" can go to federal prison.
Except as someone who has spent years in the government and has experience with very specific systems, I can tell you that doesn't happen. You voting out a local official does nothing for union contract employees. Even states with "Joe the plumber " laws have improper system access literally all the time. The only exception is the LE system which runs background check information that is comprehensive.
I don't agree it should be outlawed, but I very firmly disagree that it be mandatory for wide implementation because I GUARANTEE they will alter local regulations to prevent any other options. They already get away with it with cable providers. You will also be forced to subsidize welfare dependents access and equipment. I guarantee that, too.
The difference is we can make a difference on those systems where for public companies we literally cannot.
I would contend you have a substantially better chance with a for profit company. If people stop using a for profit company it hurts their bottom line and shareholders and they might change. If you don't use a public service they just pump more tax money into it or force you to use it. How well has flint Michigan's municipal water supply changed? How about medicaid? The bmv? Post office?