All this year, we've been following the trail of telecom industry money to front groups and "Astroturf" organizations.  (Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our "Wolves in Sheep's Clothing report.)

Now ArsTechnica and Broadband Reports have the scoop on another telecom Astroturf effort:  the American Consumer Institute.  ACI describes itself as an "independent consumer organization dedicated to improving the lives of American consumers," but it's actually a collection of "experts," many of whom have strong ties to the telecom industry.  For example, Stephen Pociask, who initially registered the ACI website, has close ties to the Bells.  You know, the telephone companies who oppose net neutrality.  And -- looky here! -- ACI also thinks net neutrality is a bad idea.

Another Astroturf group, the Advanced Technology Alliance, was also outed last week by a commenter on the Making Light blog.  So keep your eyes peeled, and let us know if you see other suspiciously-named groups that may be fronts for the phone or cable companies.