a factor in making this easier in Europe is that all phone lines were put in by entirely government owned and operated enterprises, and it can't be argued that the public doesn't own them
Depends. When Ireland privatized it's state owned teleco, it included all the wires going all over the country.
Yes, but because the original investment was from the public purse, there's still a strong argument that, even if not legally, the public might have a right to some sense of entitlement.
Depends. When Ireland privatized it's state owned teleco, it included all the wires going all over the country.