7 Colorado Towns Vote To Take Internet Back

In the ongoing conversation about an open Internet, the main topic of discussion is about pipelines. Some would like the Internet to remain as-is, while some others want there to be a paid and free service; tiered Internet, so to speak. In Colorado this week, citizens took back their right to have Internet as they choose, just in a different way. A previously implemented ban on community broadband service was overturned, as a majority of voters want their Internet back.

Colorado had a ban in place, which stopped cities from building their own Internet service. The original rule, put in place in 2005, was backed by — no surprise — large telecommunication firms. Though the ban is in place across Colorado, a city, town, or county may put it to a vote, effectively fragmenting the rule across the state.

Seven counties and towns in Colorado moved to at least have the option to build their own service this week, overturning that statewide ban in their communities. The cities of Boulder, Cherry Hills Village, Red Cliff, Wray, and Yuma all voted it down, and the counties of Yuma and Rio Blanco also voted to overturn the ban.

It doesn't mean each city or county will build Internet service, but it does give them the option.

Via: Ars Technica