CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cable companies that provide Internet service are working to kill legislation that would create a state-financed $72 million fiber-optic network across West Virginia.
Suddenlink, Comcast, Shentel, Time-Warner Cable and other members of the West Virginia Cable Television Association oppose building the high-speed Internet network, saying it’s a waste of money.
“This bill [SB 315] would obligate the state to borrow between $75 million and $100 million, and it wouldn’t guarantee that a single rural customer who doesn’t have broadband service would get it,” said Mark Polen, executive director of the state cable association.
Sen. Chris Walters, who’s spearheading the legislation, said the cable companies want to block competition from smaller Internet providers. Walters’ bill aims to improve Internet service and drive down prices in rural parts of the state.
“I’m trying to get people in rural communities off this island,” explained Walters, R-Putnam. “I’m trying to take something to them and create a path where Internet companies can get to them.”
The cable companies and others want no part of Walters’ proposed 2,500-mile broadband network…
