With major telecom companies lobbying hard against affordable broadband bills, experts say it’s easy to think they hate the idea of affordable internet. In reality, the issue is much more complex.
Governments Suddenly Shut Down the Internet – Here's Why
Earlier this year, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made headlines when he announced a bill that would force internet service providers (ISPs) to sell internet service to New Yorkers in certain areas for $15 a month. Following the announcement, ISPs hit back hard, lobbying against the bill and even filing a lawsuit over it. Now, a judge has suspended the bill, citing the potential for “irreparable harm” to telecom companies if it were to go into effect. This decision, along with the lawsuit, has led many to feel that ISPs don’t want people to have affordable internet, but experts say the issue isn’t that simple.
“I don’t think they don’t want people to have accessible, affordable internet,” Rebecca Watts, an internet access advocate who works with Western Governors University, told Lifewire in a phone call. “I think the opposition here is because the legislation doesn’t necessarily take into account their business model, and this order will give everyone time to really learn from the providers what the impact might be.”
While the governor’s intent with the bill is important, and one that Watts fully supports, she says things are moving very quickly as the administration works to address the digital divide that is plaguing our country. It’s important to take a moment to ensure that the policies put in place don’t create other problems in the future.
