said by skuv :Huh?! The cable companies didn't magic their networks into existence. They build them with money from private investors.
Why would municipalities not have to do it the same way? Just because someone else is already there?! How do you believe that you are making sense?
If cities are increasing taxes or public utility rates JUST to compete with other network providers, that is EXTREMELY wrong.
The other networks can't force anyone to give them money to improve their networks. Yet the municipalities can use the force of tax liens, turning off utilities, or even jail time to help pay for their networks. People can't choose not to pay their taxes and get away with it.
How does that sound like a level playing field to you?
The cable networks laid their lines when there was no one to compete with. The purpose was to sell CABLE TV, not internet. The ability to sell internet services over those same lines was a fortuitous development for Cable companies.
