Verizon is vying to let off the pressure for Philadelphia's plans on citywide Wi-Fi.  In last minute news before the Governor's deadline to veto or sign the bill (November 30 at midnight) Verizon and city officials are in talks to allow the project to continue.  But the talks may be moot.

Some say Verizon doesn't have the power to grant exceptions to the law, regardless of any deal it cuts with Philadelphia. "Last I heard it was the state that had authority to write law, not Verizon," says James Baller, a telecommunications attorney who represents local governments. "Once this is signed, the language is there, and whatever Verizon thinks the legislation says has no force of law to it."

Unfortunately, if the bill is signed, it would make it law that all cities in Pennsylvania would need permission from area telcos before deploying a municipal broadband solution, including wireless and fiber.  In fact, the wording of House Bill #30 may be interpreted to restrict broadband deployment by any tax-funded agency or "political subdivision", not just cities.  Further, the bill could be a template for other states to follow suit.

This bill is turning out to be a flashpoint between municipalities, broadband users, and existing telecom companies.  Is it possible to create a scenario that's win-win-win for this tangled triad?