![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.learningaloud.com\/blurts\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/noun_wireless-broadband_3191289.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBiden has proposed a $100 billion plan<\/a> to all citizens with community broadband playing an important part of the approach. Community (municipal) broadband would not provide help for those in rural areas with limited service, but it would seem a way to offer service in populated areas. The idea of municipal broadband access is that cities could offer community wifi access as a utility<\/a>. The cost could be part of the benefits of city taxes, through subscriptions, or a combination. Obviously, proposals to provide municipal broadband tend to be opposed by traditional broadband providers who have worked in many localities to block municipal plans through political action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many states (22) have significant barriers to municipal broadband<\/a>. I was surprised to see Minnesota (my state or residence) on this list because I know that some efforts do exist. The article lists Minnesota as facing “competitive barriers” to the development of a municipal option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Minnesota state laws require municipal governments proposing to offer broadband services to residents to obtain a referendum \u201csupermajority\u201d of 65% of voters to proceed. Municipal governments are able to construct, extend, improve and maintain facilities for Internet access only if the city council finds that proposed broadband network and service will not compete with existing services provided by private telecom companies, or if such services are not and will not be available through private telecom companies in the foreseeable future.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n I was able to find this map showing the location<\/a> of communities with municipal broadband. <\/p>\n\n\n\n