Advocates for more wireless and broadband options in Kentucky will once again push a bill reforming the state's telecommunications laws—specifically, removing language that requires old-school land-line service throughout the state.
Citizens for a Digital Future unveiled the legislation Tuesday, which is sponsored by state Sen. Paul Hornback, a Republican from Shelbyville.
The bill would allow phone companies to be unbounded from state law requiring them to run land line service in all areas of the state. If a comparable voice service was in the area, including wireless options, companies could end their land line services.
It has the support of various local and national groups who say wireless and broadband technologies need to be expanded statewide in order for the state to compete globally.
But opponents of the so-called "AT&T bill"— nicknamed after the largest company in support of the bill—say the measure allows telephone companies to stop landline service to rural areas, where doing so is expensive.
