High-speed Internet — also known as broadband — is becoming a crucial public necessity — just like water, gas or electricity. But far too many Americans are finding themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide, unable to afford the expensive service currently offered by cable and phone monopolies — or living in areas without any broadband service.

Soon all media — TV, telephone, radio and the Web — will be delivered via the Internet over a broadband connection. New wireless and wired technologies allow local governments, public-private partnerships, schools and community groups to offer faster, cheaper and more reliable Internet service. Hundreds of communities across the country are now building their own wireless “Community Internet” systems.

The major barrier to establishing Community Internet is not technological or economic. It’s political. The big telephone and cable companies are using their lobbying clout in Washington and in state capitals to try to outlaw municipal broadband systems, prevent competition and undercut local control. More than a dozen states now have laws on the books restricting cities and towns from building their own high-speed Internet networks.

Instead, state laws should encourage the development of municipal systems, public-private partnerships and other alternatives that promise to bring the benefits of broadband to more people. New technology is making it possible for cities and towns to improve access to information, provide education and job training, enhance public safety, foster technological innovation, and bolster local economic development.