We've covered at length Verizon's successful attempt at getting community-broadband restricting laws passed in Pennsylvania, though the attention over the fight fueled interest in other cities. Marginally better than the outright bans we've seen in other states, the law states if your town wants to wire itself with broadband, it must first receive permission (right of refusal) from Verizon. Verizon has two months to decide if they want to build a network, and 14 months to get it done. Opponents argue Verizon could drag that time out via legal wiggling, making the law essentially an outright ban, dressed up as reasonable legislation.

As Wi-Fi Networking News explores, Wilkes Barre, which wants to build a 7-square mile Wi-Fi network, is now figuring out how to get around the law. Local paper the Times Leader explores the obstacles the city now faces in offering its residents wireless broadband.