WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, President Obama called for an end to laws that prevent cities, towns and other communities from creating their own high-speed Internet networks. During a speech in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Obama urged the Federal Communications Commission to pre-empt state laws that restrict community broadband networks. The president also called for new tools and financial incentives for cities interested in connecting their residents.

Free Press President and CEO Craig Aaron made the following statement:

"It's refreshing to see political leaders stand up to the powerful phone and cable lobby in defense of everyone's rights to connect and communicate. We applaud the president’s actions and look forward to a time when everyone has several options for fast, open and affordable Internet access.  

"Supporting cities' ability to create their own high-speed networks is essential for our broadband future. The industry's monopoly-minded efforts to regulate away competition are part of a long history of abusive policies that have left too many Americans stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide.

"The very real demand for municipal broadband networks shows just how much incumbent telecommunications companies have failed us. Every American home should be connected to high-speed fiber; every person should be able to use that infrastructure to access a diverse array of affordable high-quality communications services. This is not a utopian vision but the bipartisan consensus of Congress less than a generation ago.

"Phone and cable companies have repeatedly promised to deliver these services in exchange for the approval of various mergers and the gutting of consumer protections. But they've failed to live up to their promises. Increasingly here in America, the birthplace of the Internet, the best, most affordable telecommunications services are offered not by incumbents but by municipalities. That's all the evidence you need to prove that public interest-focused communications policies are long past due."