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Local Franchise Authorities Often Charge Regressive Fees on Broadband, Groups Say

The FCC needs to make clear states and localities can't charge duplicative fees and taxes beyond the franchise fees for use of public rights-of-way, because they jack up the cost of broadband internet access, various civil rights and minority interest…

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groups said in a docket 05-311 posting Friday. It said the fees levied by some local franchise authorities atop franchise fees are regressive, hurting lower-income households disproportionately. Signatories of the letter included the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council, Hispanic Federation, NAACP, Latino Coalition and U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.