Utah politician raises concerns over city-backed broadband networks
-
Former Utah House speaker Greg Hughes warns against "government-run and government-operated internet," specifically calling out UTOPIA Fiber.
-
UTOPIA defends itself as an "inter-local agency" overseen by partner cities, not the government entity controlling internet speeds or access.
-
Private internet service providers, not UTOPIA, provide service to end users on UTOPIA's networks. UTOPIA just builds the infrastructure.
-
Hughes worries about potential financial risks to cities partnering with UTOPIA if network fees don't cover bonding costs. UTOPIA says it has had a successful model since 2009.
-
While not pushing for legislative action currently, Hughes advocates for leaving broadband network development largely to private companies rather than government entities.