Proving once again that until Republicans are voted out of office en masse, only an infinitesimal fraction of the programs and initiatives that real people want will ever see the light of day. Unfortunately there’s only so much Democrats in the White House and Congress can do as long as people keep voting against their own self interest.
edit to add:
Oh, and how’s this for an interesting timeline:
2006: City of Wilson begins municipal broadband program
2011: Thom Tillis (Speaker of the House) helps pass S.L. 2011-84 to effectively ban municipal broadband
The result [of S.L. 2011-84] is a limit on the number of options available for broadband service, particularly in areas where the private sector is not providing adequate, affordable service. Several municipalities were grandfathered and allowed to continue service with certain geographical restrictions. (NCGS 160A-340) Additionally, this statute created a chilling effect for local governments interested in exploring alternative networks like open access networks. Municipalities that own conduit and dark fiber have been reluctant to lease their infrastructure to private internet service providers or create open access networks operated by a private entity for fear of violating the statute.