Internet access in the US might not seem to be as fast and cheap as one might expect, and there are laws that keep it that way.

When one thinks of America in terms of Internet access, the word “slow” would not be the first that springs to mind. In fact, service providers would have you believe that Internet access in the US is widespread, fast and ubiquitous.

The truth is not quite as rosy, with many communities struggling to gain access to affordable, fast Internet. One way to alleviate this problem would be for local government to invest in building out broadband networks in their communities over which the “big boys” could deliver their service.

In theory, these community based networks would be more affordable, and being staffed by local community members, will give people a sense of being served by “their own”.

Unfortunately big business has other ideas, with many states having laws that prohibit local government from providing their own broadband infrastructure. Many reasons are cited for these laws, such as they will force private sector investment in the area, or that most private broadband networks fail leaving the locals high and dry.

The reality is most likely far more simplistic. The big national carriers don’t want the competition and have powerful lobby groups that ensure laws such as those prohibiting local network builds get passed, thereby effectively tying the hands of any local governments wanting to provide for their communities.

(Source)