from: Broadband Reports [1]

U-Verse, Lawsuits in Milwaukee

Wasn't avoiding franchises supposed to make the process easier?
Posted 2007-03-02 09:32:30 by Karl

With a tenuous agreement in place, AT&T launched U-Verse in portions of Milwaukee this week, though local lawmakers have been fighting the company's decision to avoid paying franchise fees since December. AT&T states that because their system isn't cable, it isn't governed by traditional video franchise rules -- a position which led Milwaukee to sue the telco. In other locations, AT&T has sued towns or cities if they disagree. The Regional Telecommunications Commission says AT&T's use of easements without a franchise violates the law.