On March 21st, the Maine Legislature announced the approval of $15 million in broadband Internet funding for rural and underserved areas. The intention is to expand broadband infrastructure, which will ultimately lead to economic development, and provide benefits like telemedicine to underserved communities.

But the proposal is only a mere tactic that uses the current pandemic to preempt state laws in order to provide funding to government-owned networks (GONs). In reality, they will only crowd out private options, leaving consumers with less choice.

This article was coauthored by Ana Diaz and Krisztina Pusok and can be viewed in its entirety at Real Clear Policy.

Share: