House Bill 1086 – Counties/Internet Infrastructure – would define “high-speed internet access service” as a “public enterprise” in fourteen designated counties. This would enable these counties to construct internet access infrastructure in the same manner that they provide water, sewer and garbage collection.
Such a measure would put local governments in competition with private companies that provide interent servicees. It would mark yet another step of government forcing out free market competition, and more centralized control in the hands of governemet.
Civitas Action supports the removal of governement barriers to a competitive market and as such opposes government interference in the provision of these services.
Civitas Action fully intends to grade any votes taken on House Bill 1086 in its 2018 Freedom Rankings, and will do its best to update the rankings within two business days from any votes taken.
Civitas Action is a 501(c)(4) non-profit that educates and informs North Carolinians on policy issues and the actions of their elected officials.