Republicans Talk Rural Broadband, But Oppose Measure Democrats Say Would Help

BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Leading Republican leaders are content to talk up the significance of aiding rural regions by enhancing broadband deployment. But, at least according to this article from The Hill, are actively opposing measures, such as the Community Broadband Act, that Democrats say would help advance better broadband. Instead,
Republicans favor legislation including H.R. 3994, which would establish an Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the Commerce Department, and the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, H.R. 4881.

Lawmakers split over how to expand rural broadband, from The Hill:

Lawmakers on Tuesday sparred over ways to bring more investment to rural broadband services.

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology heard from experts on the problems with building out rural broadband.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), the subpanel's chair, said government needed to complement private investment not compete against it.

She criticized a Democratic bill from Rep. Anna Eshoo (Calif.) and others, the Community Broadband Act, that would allow local communities to invest money in building their own networks.

[more...]

Source: Lawmakers split over how to expand rural broadband | TheHill