Not only are the big telecom companies making huge profits, now they are gaining more decision-making power.  Legislation in Missouri has recently been enacted, which gives more control to the telecom giants over the city and county authorities regarding placement of cell towers.  Cities and counties will have a shorter period of time to review any proposed tower applications and will be limited in other facets of the process.  According to Stltoday.com, “The Missouri Telecommunications Industry Association has said the bill will allow the industry to improve service more quickly and standardize a sometimes slow and plodding approval process.”  Big-money industry always translates to more power…don’t you want someone to be on your side when it comes to dealing with such a persuasive entity?  (Link to article: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/mark-schlinkmann/nixon-signs-bill-limiting-city-county-authority-on-cell-tower/article_cba72169-f286-5491-9be8-536cb17e8a7e.html).