FCC Internet plan worries local officials

The Federal Communications Commission's efforts to provide affordable access to broadband Internet service worries some local officials, who fear that local governments could lose the franchise fees they collect from service providers.

In a letter to the FCC on Friday, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) expressed concern over any future agency decisions that would "threaten the 'home rule' authority of local governments and lead to their loss of significant amounts of revenue." Changes to laws governing public rights of way could result in the loss of franchise fees, McCarthy said in a statement.

North Hills Mayor Marvin Natiss said, "I don't want someone else to control" or set fees.

Rockville Centre Mayor Mary Bossart, who is also the president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association, said both village authorities and some members of the group had raised similar concerns.

The FCC's "notice of inquiry" -- issued in April -- seeks public comments to determine if there is "a need for coordinated national action to improve rights-of-way and wireless facilities siting policies." The agency also wants feedback on whether rights-of-way or siting charges are "reasonable" to providers or governments. Comments will be accepted until July 18.

Still, three of the five FCC commissioners have called the agency's role on the issue limited.

Commissioner Michael J. Copps said, "We need to be cognizant of the authority that local . . . entities have over rights-of-way and the siting of wireless facilities. . . . We need to be mindful of not impinging on local rights."