West Virginia Senate panel does about-face on broadband bill

A day after eviscerating a broadband expansion bill at the request of West Virginia’s largest internet providers, a Senate committee restored key components of the legislation designed to spark competition and improve service.

The Senate Government Organization Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to undo changes its members had approved the previous afternoon.

The committee’s about-face followed harsh words from House leaders who railed against the unexpected overhaul, saying the Senate essentially gutted the bill and kowtowed to Frontier Communications and cable internet providers.

“We’re putting it back how it was at the House,” said state Sen. Randy Smith, R-Tucker. “There’s no trickery here.”

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