Starting a petition against a monopoly in a local town?

Question

I am a college student in a town of about 8,000 in Nebraska. The local telecommunications company (American Broadband) has a monopoly over the town. There is no other provider for internet, tv, or phone. I heard rumors that they "paid off" Qwest and Cox. Does anyone know how I would go about finding out if these rumors are true? I have attempted to speak to the owner of American Broadband on several occassions, and he refuses to return my calls. I have also talked to corporate people at Qwest and Cox, who told me they are not authorized to reveal that information. It is next to impossible for anyone with a pre-professional job to afford the ridiculous prices. They want 79 dollars a month just for 1 meg internet, and their bundles are outrageous. It is to my understanding that it is illegal to have a monopoly over a town, and we as consumers have a right to choose between telecommunications companies. I know it isn't a rural service issue, because all of the surrounding areas have Qwest, Cox, Comcast, etc. I thought about starting a petition, as I'm sure the majority of the people in this town would sign it. It is difficult to find accurate information on the internet about starting petitions. If anyone knows the laws concerning these issues, or can direct me to a website/organization who may know, please reply. Oh, and I did try getting a hold of the mayor. Seems he is a VERY busy person. Thanks!!

Answer 1

They will come for you in the night.  

There is money involved -- LOTS of money.

Answer 2

Many cable companies have exclusive franchises, or monopolies.  I don't even know how, in this day and age, they could maintain a monopoly on telephone or internet access - I mean, you can always get satellite.....

Anyway....go to a City Council Meeting and ask these questions there.  Bring some people with you for moral support, and to let them know you aren't the ONLY one concerned.  As far as the Mayor being "busy", poppycock.  I was Mayor of a town of 65,000, and it was a part time job.  Continue going to Council meetings, insist that your issue be agendized.  Agitate.  Also, write letters to the Editor in whatever papers serve your area.  If, indeed, you have support from a large chunk of the town, you may be surprised at how responsive the City can be.....