Agenda - Council - 09/13/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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some circumstances they may be able to provide robust service at a lower price as compared to private providers, along with potentially increasing local competition in a service area. Other commenters argued against Treasury's encouragement, remarking that private businesses have a robust track record of serving hard -to -reach customers. These commenters argued that commercial providers have greater technical and operational expertise in deploying and operating broadband networks and may be able to construct broadband networks with greater efficiency. Additionally, some commenters argued that providing what they considered an unfair competitive advantage for government- or community -owned or operated networks may hurt consumers over time. Treasury Response: The final rule maintains the interim final rule's encouragement for recipients to prioritize support for broadband networks owned, operated by, or affiliated with local governments, nonprofits, and cooperatives, given that these networks have less pressure to generate profits and a commitment to serve entire communities.344 This encouragement provides flexibility for recipients to select providers that best fit their needs, while noting the critical role that networks owned, operated, or affiliated with local governments and community organizations can play in providing sufficient coverage, affordable access, or increased competition in the broadband sector. Duplication of Efforts and Resources Public Comment: Some commenters raised concerns that Treasury's encouragement in the interim final rule that recipients avoid funding projects in locations with an existing 344 The Executive Office of the President, Community -Based Broadband Solutions (January 2015), https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/docs/community- based_broadband_report_by_executive_office_of the president.pdf 310