Dear editor,

Finding a solution to the lack of broadband accessibility in our state has been one of the top priorities for the Georgia legislature this session.

Both chambers have proposed numerous bills to address the problem that is primarily felt in the rural parts of our state. The goal of these bills is to create an atmosphere that will entice broadband providers to invest and expand high speed internet throughout Georgia. Which is great because broadband readiness is becoming increasingly vital to the future of our state both in terms of our economic development and the standard of living for our citizens.

Surprisingly, the bills that have passed through committee preempt municipalities from being able to negotiate the rates and terms of use of the public right of ways with internet providers. That is an incentive that has not been available in the past for electric, gas, and cable companies. The franchise fees paid by these businesses for having poles and other infrastructure along the roadside have been used for the maintenance of these sites by local governments for decades.

Though I appreciate the proactive approach shown by legislators under the gold dome on this issue, I believe that control of the public right of ways should be at the local level, not Atlanta.

It seems that it is an inherent tendency for government at any level to centralize authority. Nevertheless is my hope that legislators will amend Senate Bill 426 and House Bill 887 to put the control of public right aways back in the hands of municipalities where it belongs before it goes to the governor’s desk.

With Sine Die approaching, time is running out to make these minor, yet important adjustments. Hopefully we can continue to move Georgia forward into the 21st century with the mutual understanding between our state and local governments that has led our great state to be the number one place in the nation to do business.

Tommy Roberts

Fitzgerald