User waynemr writes in: "Apparently in Wisconsin, it is OK for astroturf groups to blatantly lie to state legislators without legal ramifications. The pro-state-franchise group TV-4-US gave slick promotional packets to legislators earlier this year indicating that several prominent politicians were in favor of the proposed legislation, when in fact they have been very much opposed to it."

While many of these telco-written "franchise reform" bills have significant problems (stripping eminent domain, the elimination of consumer protections, weak or non-existent build out requirements, the elimination of all public access TV), Wisconsin's recently passed bill was particularly unfriendly to consumers. While the bill was touted as a way to "jump start competition," its sole purpose was to improve AT&T's bottom line.

Local telecom Professor Barry Orton told us he tried to warn locals that AT&T PR group promises of TV competition utopia simply weren't genuine, but he apparently wasn't heard over the roar of AT&T lobbying efforts and their promises of dirt-cheap cable. Keep watching your TV bills over the next few years and let us know when you see those promised TV rate reductions.