California accepts $1.42 billion in broadband funds while defying federal net neutrality ban
State regulators plan to keep enforcing local telecom rules despite a federal condition that blocks such laws for grant recipients.
By Sarah Reynolds ·
California agreed to take $1.42 billion in federal broadband funding on Tuesday, but state officials rejected the requirement that they stop enforcing net neutrality laws.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration tied the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program to a condition that states cannot regulate the rates of internet service providers that receive grants. California’s decision creates a direct conflict with the federal government’s spending rules.
State regulators argue that the federal demand violates the state’s constitutional rights. The California Public Utilities Commission sent a letter to Arielle Roth, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and NTIA Administrator, clarifying its position.
John Reynolds, the CPUC President, stated that the commission is not bound by terms that are unconstitutional or unauthorized by law. He added that the CPUC does not waive any arguments regarding the legality or applicability of the federal conditions.
The letter also noted that the CPUC cannot stop other state agencies from enforcing existing laws. This suggests the state attorney general will retain the power to penalize internet providers that violate state regulations.
The state has reserved the right to challenge the federal condition in court. Depending on how the legal process unfolds, California may delay or cancel its plans to distribute the broadband grants to local providers.
Source: Ars Technica
