ATLANTA —
Representatives of rural cities and counties across Georgia told a panel of state senators on Thursday that they had to create the broadband networks private providers refused to bring to their communities.
Sen. Majority Leader Chip Rogers is sponsoring legislation that he said will make public broadband networks play by the same rules as private service providers. Senators on the Regulated Industry and Utilities Committee heard nearly an hour of testimony from both supporters and critics of the bill.
Senate Bill 313 would prevent public broadband providers from paying for communication networks with tax or government funds and from offering their services at below-cost prices. It would also require local governments to hold hearings and a special election to become a public provider.
Representatives from the major telecommunications networks said the bill encourages competitive fairness.
Leaders from cities including Elberton, Hogansville, Thomasville, Monroe and Toccoa lined up to tell senators that broadband is necessary infrastructure for the 21st century economic development they hope to attract — and that they are doing what they must to keep their communities competitive.
"We cannot wait for the private sector to ride to our rescue," said Tim Martin, executive director of the Toccoa-Stephens County Development Authority.
Thomasville Mayor Max Beverly said the city's broadband network supports major employers there.
"If we have to cut them off, there's no telling what that's going to do to our local economy," he warned.
Rogers said many the critics' concerns were not addressed in the legislation and unfairly bashed the private sector, which is making progress on broadband expansion in Georgia.
"Have they gotten to every corner of the state? No," Rogers said. "If you can explain to the voters why you should continue, then none of this matters."
____
Online:
Senate Bill 313: —http://www.legis.ga.gov
Homepage
Rural communities balk at public broadband bill
- Local News
-
-
Graduation Day
sgasports.net Tift County High School’s Class of 2012 tosses hats into the air at the end of graduation exercises Saturday morning at Brodie Field. Speakers at the graduation included Salutatorian Nicole Newsom and Valedictorian Kelsy Cotto.
- ABAC offering ACCEL classes at TCHS this fall
- Beryl threatens rain, winds on southeast US coast
- DAV marks Memorial Day with ceremony
- Ocilla men help with national Memorial Day project
-
- Local Sports
-
Christian Glisson
-
Former Blue Devil hopes to be picked in MLB draft
In less than two weeks, from June 4-6, Major League Baseball will be holding its 2012 draft, fulfilling the dreams of several athletes who have worked for that moment most of their lives.
- Mesoraco’s slam sends Reds over Braves 6-3
- Williams’ annual basketball camp coming up
- Barrentine does well on junior rodeo circuit
- Local athletes compete in Special Olympics Georgia
-
Former Blue Devil hopes to be picked in MLB draft
- Explore
-
Overnight on the Mississippi River at the Covington Inn, a restored 1949 towboat with four guest suites, a salon, spacious decks and a sumptuous breakfast.
-
‘Minnesota nice’: St. Paul offers superb lodging, cuisine, architecture, museums
Waking on a sitting-still retired towboat as working tows moved big barges up and down stream connected me to the mighty Mississippi River in new ways during a weekend jaunt to St. Paul.
- National Parks: Where to start? How to choose?
- Adventures by Disney: Homes open to visitors in six continents
-
‘Minnesota nice’: St. Paul offers superb lodging, cuisine, architecture, museums
- Opinion
- Obituaries
- Police Reports
- Business
-
Eighth Street Middle School student Blake Becton, 14, was shocked Tuesday morning to see his parents and representatives Wes Hunter and Erik Lobzun with Woodmen of the World standing in the front office to present him with the American History Award. ESMS student Whit Carpenter received the award last year. Lobzun said it is presented each year. He stated, “We like to recognize excellence in the community.” Hunter said Becton’s dedication and hard work earned him the award. Pictured from left are Lobzun; Hunter; Becton’s father, Hayward; Becton with his award; Becton’s mother, Cynthia; and Reginald Phillips, who is currently serving as principal at ESMS.
- Food Scores
- Your Agenda
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
