Texas bill would prevent phone companies from ‘throttling’ first responders’ data

StateScoop: A state legislator in Texas introduced a bill last week that would prohibit wireless phone carriers from curbing download speeds for emergency responders responding to a disaster.

The measure, filed by Democratic State Rep. Bobby Guerra, recalls an incident last year in California, when Verizon was found to have “throttled” devices being used by firefighters responding to the largest wildfire in the state’s history after they went over their monthly data limits. The episode prompted a growing number of states to consider ways to make sure their first responders’ access to the internet during disasters is protected.

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