Mixed Election Results for Muni Broadband
Three more municipalities opted out of a Colorado law banning municipal broadband in Tuesday’s election. And Virginia former Gov. Terry McAuliffe conceded Wednesday to Republican Glenn Youngkin, who supported low-orbit satellites for expanding rural broadband during his campaign (see 2110250029).…
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In other races, Boston chose for mayor Michelle Wu, a progressive Democrat with a digital equity plan. In Colorado, Mesa became the 44th county to opt out by passing its ballot initiative with about 72% voting yes. "This is a big win for rural western Colorado,” emailed county Commissioner Cody Davis (R). “It's the first step in bringing reliable high-speed internet to every corner of Mesa County.” Milliken and Windsor become the 117th and 118th municipalities to opt out, said the Colorado Municipal League. About 81% voted yes in Milliken, 77% in Windsor. Colorado has 64 counties and 271 municipalities. Elsewhere, residents in Northampton, Massachusetts, supported muni broadband, while those in China, Maine, voted against it and people in Hampden, Maine, voted against a $4.5 million public network. Harlan, Iowa, residents voted to sell its muni network. Election results suggest broadband is “still growing as a voting issue,” emailed Institute for Local Self-Reliance Director-Community Broadband Networks Christopher Mitchell. “I remain concerned that Virginia is discouraging investment in better broadband networks, whether in areas totally unserved, areas needing more choices, or low-income areas,” he said. “The Democrats had a chance to remove the barriers and didn't.”