National League of Cities: FCC Supports Cities in Vote on Municipal Broadband

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Feb 26, 2015, 01:23 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following today's vote by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to preempt laws in North Carolina and Tennessee that limit municipal broadband, National League of Cities (NLC) CEO & Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony issued the following statement:

"This morning the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made the right choice by voting to eliminate barriers to municipal broadband deployment for Chattanooga EPB and the city of Wilson. Today's vote underscores the critical role of local governments to provide broadband services that are integral to a strong, 21^st century economy that benefits residents and strengthens communities.

"Chattanooga, Tenn. and Wilson, N.C. are examples of the successful role local governments can play to ensure that high-speed, affordable broadband is available to our cities' residents. While their petitions to the FCC only apply to their individual municipal broadband initiatives, today's ruling sets a precedent that acknowledges the need for local flexibility to meet individual community needs. Each community is different, and local governments must have the flexibility and authority to make the best choices for their residents."

The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

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SOURCE National League of Cities