The Community Broadband Act of 2005, introduced by Senators McCain (Arizona-R) and Lautenberg (New Jersey-D), would give communities the right to build out telecom infrastructure and/or offer telecom services to their citizens. The bill would also prevent states from pandering to the incumbent providers by prohibiting local governments from getting involved in telecom.

Local technology activists like Doña Keating, head of the West Sound Technology Professionals Association (WSTPA), as well as local technology consultant Michael Bookey, along with Poulsbo City Councilman Ed Stern, have all hailed the legislation as past due. Stern was instrumental in the establishment of the Kitsap Economic Development Council (KEDC) task force on broadband and telecommunications when he served on the KEDC board. That committee later became the foundation for WSTPA. Meanwhile, Bookey has a book due out on this very subject next month.

“Broadband might not be as essential as water, but it’s becoming increasingly important in our competitive global economy,” stated Senator Lautenberg. “Those who are left out of the high-speed revolution will miss out on opportunities for better jobs and education and a higher quality of life.”.