Louisville Defends ‘Google Fiber’ Ordinance Against Providers’ Lawsuits

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Legal challenges are mounting against the City of Louisville’s “One Touch, Make Ready” ordinance, which passed in February 2016. The ordinance, which was passed to streamline deployment of Google Fiber, authorizes telecom providers to rearrange existing providers’ equipment on utility poles.

The city of Louisville has spent nearly $165,000 in outside legal fees to defend the ordinance, reports WDRB.com, as opposing telecom providers continue to mount legal challenges against the ordinance. AT&T and Charter Communications have each filed lawsuits against Louisville Metro.

Supporters of the ordinance state that it will reduce the number of crews needed for the deployment of fiber; instead of waiting for an existing provider to rearrange its equipment—which it may drag its feet on—a new provider, like Google, can simply rearrange that provider’s, like AT&T or Charter’s, existing equipment. 

AT&T and Charter both argue that the ordinance would leave their equipment vulnerable to damages and service outages, as crews from competitors will have authority to move existing provider’s equipment without their consent.

As the legal showdown plays out, Google Fiber has yet to begin deploying fiber for internet service that it has promised to provide in the area. In a recent statement, the company reiterated its intent to provide service to Louisville.

“We are excited to bring fiber to Louisville and are still figuring out the path,” Google Fiber said back in October in a statement issued through the city’s mayor.

Louisville and AT&T squared off in federal court earlier this week, where a U.S. District Court is slated to make a decision regarding the authority of the city to enact such an ordinance.  

April 26, 2017

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