Opelika smart-grid telecom company plan no slam dunk

While early indications are that the good people of Opelika, Ala. like the idea of a city-owned telecommunications company--and will express their approval in an Aug. 10 election--not everyone is on board with the concept.

Opponents like Jack Mazzola, a member of Concerned Citizens of Opelika (a much catchier name than Concerned Citizens of Millville) have created a blog (opelikasmartgrid.com) to chat about their opposition and will be attending meetings to let the city fathers know they don't think it's a good idea to construct a smart-grid fiber optic system throughout the city and offer telecommunications services over it.

"I know many Opelika citizens are alarmed at the proposed violation of private enterprise, erosion of personal privacy, likely rate hikes in our energy bills and the eventual loss of freedoms that may result from excessive government regulations," Mazzola told the Opelika-Auburn News. "I can't really imagine the mayor and city council would expect us to just accept such a monumental change to our lives just voting for cable TV."

The city is currently served by Charter Communications (OTC BB: CCMM) and if it's not doing the job, Mazzola and the other concerned citizens suggest, another cable company should be brought in.

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