Firstly, the article you linked to is three years old. Secondly, AT&T was denying Google on a technicality, which has since been resolved. That's hardly trying to legislate a loophole or cheating. Nor was Google wanting to use AT&T equipment, only attach to their poles.

There are also plenty of other places where you can get gigabit fiber for $60-$100 per month, so it very much is doable regardless of if you are Google or not.