New Law Blocks City Wi-Fi Projects But Exempts Philadelphia

(Via Library Journal) When Philadelphia announced ambitious plans to extend wireless access throughout the city, some wondered when industry would protest. Indeed, local phone companies got a state bill passed that gives the local phone company right of first refusal before any city tries to provide such wireless access, reported the AP. Still, Verizon Communications agreed to let the city continue its wireless project as part of a deal to get the bill signed. Gov. Ed Rendell, a former mayor of Philadelphia, was seen under pressure to veto the bill to protect the Philadelphia project.

Posted by Tom on December 07, 2004