Comcast case could turn partly on First Amendment

The state of Vermont is countering claims by the cable giant Comcast that its First Amendment free speech rights are being violated by a requirement that the company extend its network by 550 miles in the state in the next 11 years.
One issue in the legal battle is whether Comcast, which now owns NBC, should be regulated as a traditional poles-and-wires telecommunications company or as a content provider benefiting from stronger First Amendment protections.
Vermont utility regulators granted Com