Montana Requires Internet Neutrality for State Contracts

BILLINGS — Montana on Monday became the first state to bar telecommunications companies from receiving state contracts if they interfere with internet traffic or favor higher-paying sites or apps, under an order from Gov. Steve Bullock intended to protect so-called net neutrality.

The Democratic governor’s order comes after the Federal Communications Commission last month repealed rules enacted in 2015 to more tightly regulate companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon.

Commission members said the repeal was needed to ensure the government maintains a “light touch” in its oversight of the internet. But critics such as Bullock contend that the change would hurt consumers and make it harder for startup companies to enter the market.

“There has been a lot of talk around the country about how to respond to the recent decision,” Bullock said in announcing his order before a group of computer science students in Helena. “It’s time to actually do something about it.”

Read more: http://flatheadbeacon.com/2018/01/22/montana-requires-internet-neutrality-state-contracts/