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The final version of the bill allows existing municipal
systems to continue to operate and provides local governments and authorities
a one-year window to develop these networks. Municipalities that are
providing telecommunications service through a municipally owned or created
network as of January 1, 2006 can continue to offer and provide the services
"to the extent and scope" that these services were provided before that date.
After that window closes, municipalities must offer the incumbent telephone
company the right of first refusal to provide the proposed service. Then, the
municipality can proceed with its proposed network only if the ILEC waives
it's right of first refusal under this act.
Verizon has already agreed to waive its right of first refusal in regard
to Philadelphia's proposed municipal Wi-Fi network guaranteeing that that
particular project can proceed. They have done so in a signed agreement with
the City. We will work with other municipalities on projects that they have
established or propose to establish in order to ensure that, to the extent
that they are now viable, they will also have the opportunity to succeed.

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