AT&T trying to make the rules so its rivals won't

AT&T is trying to enter the Huntsville market with its new U-verse product:

... more than 300 channels, remote recording of programming and interaction between Internet, phone and TV functions. The system, which is based on running fiber lines to a "node" that completes the transmission over copper lines to the home, includes a set-top box with a built-in digital video recorder that allows recording of up to four programs at once. ...'

But it is a wide-open question whether Huntsville customers will ever enjoy the service.

AT&T says it will be reluctant to enter the Huntsville market if the City of Huntsville seeks to require it to enter a franchise agreement for video services, similar to deals the city has with Comcast and Knology.