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Here is a quick analysis and comparison of LinkMichigan's Wrong-Way approach to expanding broadband, and policies supported by business customers, communications workers and providers that will actually work.
LinkMichigan |
The Right Way |
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New $70 million+ tax on Internet, telephone and cable TV customers. |
X |
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Prohibit local governments from imposing excessive fees on companies that build high-speed networks. |
X |
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Rights of way reforms with new state agency funded by new tax on Internet, telephone and cable TV customers, and with a new layer of regulations. |
X |
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Rights of way reforms without new tax on Internet, telephone and cable TV customers, and with less regulations and red tape. |
X |
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Create a second new state agency with funds from the new tax on Internet, telephone and cable TV customers to determine when and how citizens access the Internet. |
X |
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Remove barriers to broadband deployment — such as the state's discriminatory tax on telecom companies — so the private sector can build networks and offer services at the lowest possible prices. |
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Pass "Fair Play" legislation to level the playing field between government-funded businesses and private businesses. |
X |
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Create a telecommunications "ombudsman" to work with existing and potential business customers who need reliable information about Michigan's telecommunications infrastructure. |
X |
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Provide training for teachers and librarians on how to effectively use technology. |
X |
