AT&T Sues to block Google Fiber In Kentucky

by Wendy Davis, personnel author @wendyndavis, February 26, 2016

earlier this month, lawmakers in Louisville, Kentucky unanimously passed an ordinance geared toward making it easier for Google to deliver its Gigabit fiber community to the town.

The measure permits possible broadband suppliers like Google to install new gear on utility poles owned by way of different firms. Time Warner Cable and AT&T strongly hostile the measure. AT&T Kentucky, which owns many of the poles, said in a letter to Louisville lawmakers that the bill was more likely to disrupt provider, consistent with the Courier-Journal newspaper.

On Thursday, AT&T sued in federal court in Louisville to forestall the regulation from going into effect. the company argues that the law conflicts with Federal Communications fee regulations relating to utility poles.

“in addition,” AT&T says in its criticism, “Louisville Metro had no authority to adopt the ordinance, as a result of Kentucky regulation provides the Kentucky Public service fee exclusive jurisdiction to control pole attachments.”

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer answered lately via Twitter that the city will “vigorously defend the lawsuit.”

He delivered: “Gigabit fiber is just too vital to our city’s future @googlefiber.”

Google hasn’t but promised to deliver its fiber community to Louisville. as a substitute, the corporate says it’s says “working with city leaders to discover the chance” of establishing a community within the city.

however metropolis residents naturally predict Google to build a network.

the same day the town passed the utility-pole ordinance Fischer stated the measure “puts Louisville one step closer towards turning into a Google Fiber city,” in step with the Courier-Journal. The paper also suggested that residents carrying indicators that said “Fiber pleasant” cheered on the invoice at metropolis hall.

For its section, AT&T also has said it intends to carry Gigabit carrier to Louisville. If a success, this lawsuit would provide AT&T the chance to determine a fiber community ahead of Google can do the identical.

 

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