Broadband Fisticuffs in North Kansas City
Written by Karl Bode
North Kansas City (not to be confused with Kansas City) officials believe broadband is a utility that should be provided to everyone. As such, they're taking casino revenues to build a city-wide fiber network, though Time Warner Cable lawyers may put an end to the project.
The idea was to create a fiber ring, which would not only serve businesses, but also provide networked video IP cameras to aid in law enforcement. Costing around $10 million dollars, the project was largely supported because it wasn't pulling from taxpayer funds, instead relying on the city's casino revenue.
After the initial connections, the project chief, Bob Jewell, hoped to create Wi-Fi networks accessible by city patrol cars. He even had plans for a city-wide easily accessible database for city building schematics, making it easier for city Fire departments to have a better understanding of building layouts before arrival.
Eventually, the city could turn to providing triple play services to city residents, including phone, cable and broadband internet. Such a move would allow the project to finance itself in the future without draining city coffers should casino revenue dry up.
But none of that may ever happen.
Time Warner Cable this week sued the city, claiming the plan violates state law. According to Missouri law, a municipal entity who plans on providing telecom services to consumers must put the plan to a vote. Who lobbied and doled out campaign contributions to state lawmakers to have that law put in place? SBC.
There's a reason Time Warner Cable and SBC love a public vote, and it isn't an affection for Democratic process.
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