BILLINGS — Montana on Monday became the first state to bar telecommunications companies from receiving state contracts if they interfere with internet traffic or favor higher-paying sites or apps, under an order from Gov. Steve Bullock intended to protect so-called net neutrality.
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Bullock’s order applies to any company seeking a state contract for telecommunications services after July 1. At that time, in order to receive a state contract, companies must not unreasonably interfere with internet users’ ability to access the content of their choice.
It was unclear from the order what would happen to companies with existing contracts. Bullock told the state Department of Administration to craft policies and guidance by March 1 to put the order into effect, and he invited governors and lawmakers across the United States to duplicate his action.
If other states follow suit, it could have a significant impact — both on large telecommunications companies with state contracts and smaller companies trying to get into the market, said Christopher Mitchell with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which supports net neutrality.
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ALBANY, N.Y. — New York state will require internet providers to observe net neutrality or risk losing eligibility for state contracts under an executive order issued Wednesday by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.The new policy aims to protect consumers by using the state’s lucrative information technology contracts as leverage over internet companies. It’s similar to one enacted through executive order Monday by Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana and comes as states consider how to respond after the Federal Communications Commission last month repealed its own net neutrality policy.
Attorneys general for 21 states and the District of Columbia also have sued to block the repeal of the federal policy, which had banned companies from interfering with web traffic or speeds to favor certain sites or apps. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a Democrat, is leading the lawsuit.
Montana’s Attorney General is Republican Tim Fox.
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox won't decide whether to join the lawsuit until there is something to look at, said spokesman Eric Sell. There's isn't a lawsuit to consider just yet, however, and the Montana AG is already questioning whether the FCC erred in a way that could be challenged successfully.
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