David Deans writes about how the Texas anti-municipal networking bill could damage the state: Deans makes a classic argument that proceeds from the assumption that networks run by municipalities are co-equal to existing utilities: we don't quibble about government building roads or ensuring that everyone has potable water and reliable electricity.
He also maintains Internet access should be viewed as a fundamental benefit to a town or city in its ability to compete on a national and international level.
A bunch of us engineers, economic development and small business folks showed up to testify. Everyone was excited to participate in the process. We wanted to give the members great examples of Texas at its best and most clever.
We signed up well before the lawyers and lobbyists.
Guess what? They took *only* the teleco representatives and are making us hold over for a 2nd day!
We lost almost all of our non-Austin speakers as they had to go home and run wireless networks and businesses.
The lobbyists got paid yesterday and they will also get paid today unlike the rest of us.
We will continue.
Regards
John