Comcast is Joining ATT in Suing Nashville to Block Google Fiber
Google Fiber seems to be the holy grail of internet service providers. The search engine giant has been moving into more cities over the past year, which of course should make current cable companies pause with concern.
Comcast has decided to take proactive action in Nashville in an attempt to prevent Nashville from allowing Google to install their Google Fiber infrastructure.
According to Bill Fixers, Google is working with Nashville to install fiber on municipal telephone poles.
“Two days after Council’s passage of “One Touch Make Ready”, AT&T filed suit against Nashville in a bid to prevent the ordinance from taking effect. AT&T is also currently suing Louisville over a similar ordinance.
Today, Comcast joined the legal fray, filing a separate complaint in the U.S. District Court in Nashville.”
Comcast is arguing that Google’s use of these poles is a violation of the Tennessee constitution, and breaks existing contracts between Comcast and the city. Comcast also alleges that this potential partnership between Google and Nashville violates FCC regulations.
Metro Law Director Jon Cooper said he was positive this new “One Touch Make Ready” ordinance would draw lawsuit attention.
Google’s parent company Alphabet stated they will help Nashville in defense of the lawsuit.
“Google Fiber will therefore be glad to share the capabilities of its in-house and outside attorneys, including some of the most experienced and accomplished regulatory attorneys in the industry.”
As we routinely monitor Comcast’s anti-competitive behavior, this move comes as no surprise. Of course Google Fiber is a massive threat to the current cable giant, and thus would work to protect their own best interest.
The move clearly ends up only hurting consumers, adding another point in the tally for why Comcast routinely ends up atop the list of the US’s least popular companies every year.
Hopefully the city of Nashville, with Google’s help, can win this lawsuit and set a precedent in the courts that make it easier for other cities to bring Google’s internet to their citizens.