A Texas Congressman has introduced a bill that impose a nationwide prohibition
on municipally-sponsored networks.
Dubbed by the Author, Representative Pet Sessions (R-Texas), the Preserving
Innovation in Telecom Act of 2005, the bill prohibits state and local
governments from providing any telecommunications or information service that
is "substantially similar" to services provided by private companies."
"According to Sessions' on-line biography, he is a former employee of
Southwestern Bell and Bell Labs. The bill will first be considered by the House
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
http://www.mobilepipeline.com/164300100"
Has anyone else heard about this and how does it affect St Paul's (and many
other communities) ability to establish sity wide WiFi for everyone?
The other question is what part of the Constitution gives power like this to
congress? Not the inter-state commerce clause I hope :-)
Have a good day
Sincerely,
John Birrenbach
20+ year former resident of the
W 7th Neighborhood, St Paul MN
Now in Pine City MN