Lobbyists Try to Kill Philly Wireless Plan

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Monty Solomon <monty () roscom com>
Date: November 23, 2004 8:44:33 PM EST
To: undisclosed-recipient:;
Subject: Lobbyists Try to Kill Philly Wireless Plan


      Lobbyists Try to Kill Philly Wireless Plan
      - Nov 23, 2004 04:38 PM (AP Online)

By MARC LEVY Associated Press Writer


HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Philadelphia's plan to offer inexpensive
wireless Internet as a municipal service _ the most ambitious yet by
a major U.S. city _ has collided with commercial interests including
the local phone company, Verizon Communications Inc.


In fact, a bill on Gov. Ed Rendell's desk that could humble
Philadelphia's ambitions began 19 months ago as a proposal drafted by
lobbyists for telecommunications companies.


Regional and long-distance phone companies, who sell broadband
Internet to consumers and businesses, have in recent months
intensified a national campaign to quash municipal wireless
initiatives like Philadelphia's as dozens of cities and towns have
either begun or announced such plans _ from San Francisco to Chaska,
Minn., to St. Cloud, Fla.


Telecommunications companies are doubly worried because hundreds of
other municipalities provide broadband service over cable or
telephone lines.


The idea of cheap, municipally provided Internet as social leveler is
particularly appealing to big city politicians.

...

      - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=45214162


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