A move to get Google Fiber rolling out faster across Nashville has landed in front of Metro lawmakers for the first time.
Google's high speed internet service wants access to utility poles that some of its competitors use, but companies like AT&T and Comcast are crying foul.
The bill would allow a new provider, like Google Fiber, to hire a subcontractor to move around equipment on the utility poles to make room for themselves -- equipment that's owned by some of Goole Fiber's competitors like AT&T and Comcast.
That would change the current process, where each company has to send a crew to move their own equipment individually.
While competitors like AT&T and Comcast say there should be more discussions before creating legislation like this, some Metro Councilmembers said the time is right to bring it to the floor.
“It will streamline our processes as we upgrade Nashville to gigabit speed and fiber in general,” said Metro Councilman Anthony Davis, one of the bill’s sponsors.
The bill was sent to the Budget & Finance Committee and Public Works Committee before going back to the full council.
