Internet access bill passes Vermont House
Vermont took another impressive step forward towards universal high-speed Internet this month. The state House has passed a bill that would create a new Vermont Telecommunications Authority to promote high-speed Internet access across the state.
A bipartisan coalition of legislative leaders from five different committees helped craft the bill, a top priority for state legislators and Gov. Jim Douglas. Douglas announced his intention to bring this ambitious Internet deployment plan into being at his state-of-the-state address in January.
The new VTA would initiate public-private partnerships, with the ultimate goal of bringing Internet access into every home in this mostly rural state. Douglas described Internet infrastructure as being "as essential as electricity and good roads" to the state’s economic development. Rep. Warren Kitzmiller, chairman of the Commerce Committee, agreed:
"This bill can have profound impact on every citizen of the state and its economic impact is huge." He and others said broadband was important in the 21st century economy when people can work from their homes. It's also an important enticement to companies that might be willing to locate in rural areas of the state.
The bill is expected to pass the state Senate, and Douglas has expressed hope that it will bring universal high-speed Internet access by 2010. By taking the lead on Internet deployment, Vermont's legislators are proving they understand the technological needs of the 21st century.
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