Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a bipartisan bill rolling back a law that made it difficult for local governments to provide internet access.
A law passed in 2005 required local governments and municipalities to get voter approval before providing or improving local broadband. The law gave internet companies the opportunity to campaign against such proposals since any such efforts would undercut those companies’ businesses.
The new bill allows local governments to opt out of the voter approval process, making it much easier for them to roll out improved internet access without fighting tooth and nail against the internet companies.
“Today, the state took a big step in establishing a competitive economy for generations to come. SB23-183 removes the biggest obstacle to achieving the Governor’s goal to connect 99% of Colorado households by the end of 2027,” said Colorado Broadband Office Executive Director Brandy Reitter. “Each local government is in a unique position or different phase of connecting residents to high-speed internet, and this bill allows them to establish broadband plans that meet the needs of their communities.”
