AT&T and most other incumbent LECs have traditionally opposed municipally-owned networks, but now the RBOC is working hand-in-hand with the municipalities on those projects that involve public-private partnerships. For example, AT&T is part of a municipally sponsored project in a suburb of Chicago that provides each city resident with subsidized DSL service. AT&T says it hasn't changed it's policy, the municipalities changed theirs. "There is a lot more willingness and interest in private involvement and development whether it is municipal WiFi network or a DSL network. We are actively reviewing RFPs and talking with people," an AT&T spokesman said.
For more on AT&T's views on muni-sponsored networks:
- see this article from TelephonyOnline