Telecom firms question fee idea.(Brief Article)

Despite the best intentions to avoid it, a battle is brewing over communications companies' access to public rights of way in the Kansas City area.

At the heart of the dispute is a proposal by the Kansas City Regional Telecommunications Consortium that would have municipalities essentially charge rent for access to rights of way such as streets and easements. Telecom companies are balking at what they term a new tax as well as other items in the consortium's proposal.

"Our industry recognizes that cities have a responsibility to manage the right of way," said Richard Telthorst, president of the Missouri Telecommunications Industry Association "We're more …