NATOA Files Amicus Brief in Support of Community Broadband

January 22, 2009 2:26 PM

Consistent with its long-standing support of community broadband, and its current Broadband Principles and other initiatives, NATOA filed an Amicus Brief before the Minnesota Court of Appeals in the case of Bridgewater Telephone Company, Inc. v. City of Monticello

Bridgewater is suing the City of Monticello to prevent the City from using revenue bonds to finance its fiber to the home project.  Earlier this year, a Minnesota trial court ruled in favor of the City that its fiber project should be considered a “public convenience” for which revenue bonds could be utilized to finance the project.  NATOA’s brief argues that not only is the fiber project a “public convenience,” but broadband infrastructure should be considered a utility. In addition, NATOA’s brief highlights the importance of broadband infrastructure as an economic, educational, and social tool.  Review the City’s Brief.