The Village of Jackson is being sued by a Wisconsin builders trade association for broadband requirements. The village is planning a municipal broadband network, and is asking builders to lay dedicated conduit to the house, along with the usual sewer and water lines. Builders want an injunction on the new ordinance. "They've created a utility to compete with the private sector, and they are requiring the builders to give them the needed equipment for the service," said J. Scott Mathie, director of government affairs for the builders association. Mathie argues that broadband is not an essential service, and state laws dictate a community's ordinance requirements. "All we're talking about is putting in a piece of plastic pipe, so that you don't have to dig up people's yards later," said Del Beaver, the Jackson village administrator. He estimated the cost for conduit per home at $250. Beaver also points out that the village is not competing with the private sector as providers chose not to offer ser.. (full story @ BBR)

Read more at: http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/78160