Right after the government launched its plans to expand broadband internet coverage in the US, we have an objection to it from, you guessed it, the lobbyists. USTelecom, which represents the likes of Verizon and AT&T, is arguing that the Bill somehow contradicts FFC rules, specifically the section which allows for public and private entities to apply to build the infrastructure which will deliver bandwidth to underserved areas.
We’re always a little incredulous when it comes to lobbyists, and we suggest you do the same until USTelecom presents something a bit more concrete than their concerns. The bill itself is a very good thing: it’s $7.2 billion committed to getting more Americans onto broadband connections. Simply saying that “some of the new mandates seem to go well beyond current laws and FCC rules” is vague at best, to the point that it’s very hard to believe that USTelecom has a real point.
Of course, USTelecom could very well have a real point. We’d just like to see some evidence along with the claim.
