1. United States
2. S.C.
3. Letter

The lack of broadband competition in many communities across the United States is deeply concerning. As highlighted in the recent report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, millions of Americans have no meaningful choice when it comes to their internet service provider. This lack of competition not only leads to higher prices and inadequate service, but also poses significant risks during emergencies like hurricanes when reliable internet access is critical. During Hurricane Helene, the inability of the monopolistic provider Xfinity/Comcast to swiftly restore services left residents stranded and unable to access vital information or communicate with loved ones. Xfinity/Comcast failed to take proactive measures to protect their infrastructure, and they have failed to be communicative around service restoration timelines. This unacceptable situation underscores the urgent need to foster more competition in the broadband market. Introducing real choices will incentivize providers to invest in robust infrastructure and deliver superior service to earn customers' business. It is imperative that we break up monopolistic control over internet access in our communities. Promoting policies that remove barriers to entry, encourage infrastructure investment by multiple providers, and empower local authorities to facilitate competition will help ensure all residents have access to reliable, affordable broadband options. This is not just a matter of consumer choice, but also a matter of public safety during crisis situations. The time to act is now to end the monopolistic stranglehold and create a truly competitive broadband landscape.