California fights "preposterous" Trump admin demand to scrap state broadband laws
State tries to obtain broadband funds despite rejecting Trump admin condition.
State tries to obtain broadband funds despite rejecting Trump admin condition.
The short version
- California is accepting $1.42 billion in broadband grant funding from the Trump administration, but the state is not accepting the Trump administration’s demand that it stop enforcing a net neutrality law and other telecom regulations.
- California’s stand against the Trump administration could result in multiple legal battles involving the state, federal government, and Internet providers seeking government funds.
- Although California told the federal government it would accept the money, it is reserving the right to challenge the condition imposed by the US.
What happened
The state could delay or cancel plans to distribute broadband grants depending on how the process unfolds. State officials argue that California should be able to obtain the money and keep enforcing its laws because the Trump administration’s demand would violate the state’s constitutional rights.
Why it matters
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) made its view clear in a carefully worded letter yesterday to Assistant Secretary of Commerce and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth.
Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at Ars Technica via the links above and below.