A while ago I wrote about Verizon's efforts to block the city of Philadelphia's plan to offer municipal broadband. Unfortunately this phenomenon seems to be spreading. Legislative enshrinement of private monopolies... catch it!

Alright, the slogan might need to be punched up a little. But the print campaign is coming along nicely: FreePress.net has got a good map showing the progress of this kind of legislation around the country. Hey, Virginia legislators: thanks SO MUCH for saving me from the scourge of cheap internet access. You guys have really been on a roll lately.

Okay, actually the Virginia barriers to municipal broadband are among the least onerous of those of the states with relevant legislation. But still.