The so-called stimulus bill contains more than $7 billion for increased government spending on the nation's broadband Internet infrastructure. Before the Obama Administration doles out taxpayer money for poorly conceived but politically popular projects, let's take a look at the recent history of one potential use for the money: municipal broadband.

AFP's policy paper shows that almost without fail these government intrusions into the marketplace result in projects that run over budget, provide service that is below expectations and ultimately result in either abandoned projects or continuing taxpayer subsidies.

Click here for AFP's Policy Paper: Municipal Broadband’s Record of Failure: A Profile in Market Intrusion

Additional Links:
Orange County Register Op Ed: Government Intrusion into Broadband Hasn't Worked. March 31, 2009

Rural Telecommunications Alliance Lauds AFP's Report

AFP's Public Comment Filing Regarding the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

North Carolina Action Alert: HB 1252 Help Protect Taxpayers from Municipal Broadband Waste.