2015 New Year’s resolution: Remove public broadband handcuffs

Can communities challenge giant incumbents’ political power as broadband’s role in local economic development gains steam? This year, Kansas and Utah community broadband supporters beat back incumbents’ attempts at new restrictive laws in these states. Eight bills advanced in the Tennessee legislature to roll back their restrictions on public networks. Even though the bills stalled out, their authors vow to return next session with similar legislation. Eight Colorado communities passed ballot measures in November to reclaim their authority to pursue broadband networks, prompting Comcast to double broadband speeds for all customers in the state without increasing the price. - Craig Settlesm,Gigaom [via/web:http://streaming-tv.us]