The recently proposed Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2009 could be a game-changer, if passed. The bill proposes that some highway projects funded by the stimulus be required to include conduits that are capable of carrying fiber optics. State and local governments wouldn't be required to install the fiber-optic wires themselves -- just the "tubes" that would carry them. The idea is that communications companies would then be able to go in and build and pay for the capacity themselves.

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