May 27, 2005
ACT NOW: Final Chance to Save Muni Wireless
ACTION ALERT
Action is needed now to save Community Internet in Texas. If you have taken previous action on this issue, we need your support one more time. If you have not had a chance to act, this is your final opportunity.
This week, the Texas Senate passed a version of HB 789 that is good for Community Internet. Now, a conference committee will reconcile it against the House version, which bans municipal wireless networks. The committee will decide this week whether muni networks should be supported or outlawed.
Thanks to your support, the Texas Senate showed the courage to resist pressure from the big communication providers and to support Community Internet. Now, we must convince the conferees to take the same bold step and turn back the ban on muni wireless once and for all.
Take Action Now
At this time, the House has designated their conference committee members. We are still awaiting appointments from the Senate. This alert will be updated once that information is available.
The decision on muni wireless will be made this weekend. Please contact the conference committee members:
| Member | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|
| Sen. Troy Fraser | 512-463-0124 | 512-475-3732 |
| Rep. Phil King | 512-463-0378 | 512-463-1957 |
| Rep. Todd Baxter | 512-463-0631 | 512-236-1065 |
| Rep. Robby Cook | 512-463-0370 | 512-436-9955 |
| Rep. Joe Crabb | 512-463-0520 | 512-463-5896 |
| Rep. Will Hartnett | 512-463-0576 | 512-463-7827 |
Ask the conferees to reject creating any barriers to municipal broadband networks. Restrictions on municipal broadband are bad because they:
- reduce availability of high-speed internet to cities and towns.
- hurt rural areas that lack competitive high-speed internet.
- reduce local control over necessary infrastructure.
- benefit only incumbent communication providers, at the expense of all othe r Texas businesses and consumers.
