The Community Broadband Act (H.R. 3281), introduced in the House by Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), would have encouraged the deployment of high-speed networks by preserving the ability of local governments to offer community broadband infrastructure and services.

The bill would have overridden existing state laws that make it difficult for cities and towns in some states to own and operate municipal broadband networks. It would have helped to ensure universal, affordable Internet access for all Americans.

A companion bill, S. 1853, was introduced in the Senate in July 2007.

Free Press strongly supported this bill.