FCC overrides state laws restricting muni broadband expansion

In yet another 3-2 vote across party lines, the FCC voted Thursday to override state laws in North Carolina and Tennessee that restrict local governments from expanding the reach of their municipal broadband networks outside their jurisdiction. Municipal broadband has been one of Chairman Tom Wheeler's key focus areas. In May, Wheeler made a call to explore the idea of preempting more than 19 state laws that prevent or discourage municipalities from building their own broadband networks. FierceTelecom has a complete report on Thursday's vote here.