You may be aware of the ongoing national campaign by phone and cable companies to get protection from competition. New Orleans has been running a free wireless internet network for locals and local businesses, reportedly set up for only a million dollars, and providing 512kbps service. The business interests had already gotten a "Fair Competition Act" passed, and so that free network would be illegal but for an exception granted for emergencies. The cable and phone companies are preparing to argue that the emergency is over and the network should be reduced in speed (so that they aren't facing unfair competition - remember that to telecom companies, all competition is unfair). The good news is that New Orleans technology chief Greg Meffert is ready to fight. "In the end, it takes a federal judge to issue a restraining order. Until that point, if that point ever comes, we'll keep running it. It's a lifeline to these people."