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from: IndyBay

California PUC Elects to Not Fully Implement Cable Legislation AB 2987

by ron cooper
Monday Mar 5th, 2007 2:05 PM

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has rejected the oversight role the CA Legislature thought it had mandated in AB 2987. In a perfunctory vote, the state PUC rejected the protests of California cities and consumer groups, deciding against any direct oversight of the state's new statewide video-service franchises for phone and cable companies. PEG access provisions of the bill are now threatened.

from: Global Friefunk

Worst Video Franchise Bill in the Country Introduced in Illinois. AKA, Which Corporation Wrote Illinois HB 1500?

2007-03-05

The worst state franchise bill I've ever read has just been introduced in Illinois -- ironically called the "Cable and Video Competition Law of 2007" -- this act guarantees redlining of un(der)served communities, the poor, and the rural. Among other horrendous provisions (which are far too numerous to enumerate), any service provider who fails to deliver even the utterly abysmal service provision requirements required by the law can get an extension or even a waiver of service for, among other things, "Developments or buildings being inaccessible using reasonable technical solutions under commercially reasonable terms and conditions" (Page 28). The terms of the state franchise deal are far worse than comparative measures introduced in other states (for example, Michigan and California).

After much waiting, the FCC finally released the written order of its December 20th, 2006 Ruling "To Ensure Reasonable Franchising Process for New Video Market Entrants."

From Federal Communications Commission, March 5, 2007

In this Report and Order, we adopt rules and provide guidance to implement`Section 621(a)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”), which prohibits franchising authorities from unreasonably refusing to award competitive franchises for the provision of cable services.

from: Metro West Daily News

Verizon wants to even cable playing field

By Andrew J. Manuse/Daily News staff
Sunday, March 04, 2007 - Updated: 11:01 PM EST

In its latest effort to convince state lawmakers to make cable licensing a state-level job, Verizon Communications Inc. said its main competitor is unfairly benefiting from the current local-level process.

from: KOLD News

Tucson Likely to Have Less Public Access Channels

March 2, 2007 09:02 PM

By J.D. Wallace, KOLD News 13 Reporter

There are plenty of channels to choose from, but the city is fighting to protect some of them.

"Part of what we're fighting for is, who we are as a community, and that kind of discussion of exchange of ideas has always been a part of Tucson," said Ward 6 Councilwoman Nina Trasoff.

from: KWWL. com

March 2, 2007 -- Des Moines

Cable Franchise Options

You may soon be able to have more cable television options. An Iowa Senate Committee approved a plan that would put the state in charge of granting cable franchises.

Current law puts that power in the hands of local government. The bill goes to the Senate.

from: Broadband Reports

U-Verse, Lawsuits in Milwaukee

Wasn't avoiding franchises supposed to make the process easier?
Posted 2007-03-02 09:32:30 by Karl

With a tenuous agreement in place, AT&T launched U-Verse in portions of Milwaukee this week, though local lawmakers have been fighting the company's decision to avoid paying franchise fees since December.

From: Daily Herald

Naperville Tries to Box AT&T into a Corner

March 1, 2007
By Jake Griffin

Taking a cue from Itasca, Naperville leaders are placing giant boxes around the city to show residents what the landscape could look like if the state legislature takes away a municipality’s right to regulate cable franchise agreements.

from: Broadband Reports

AT&T Cuts U-Verse Deployment Goal in Half

March 1, 2007

A day after AT&T told the San Antonio Express News they were “taking off the brakes” on U-Verse IPTV & VDSL deployment, USAToday says that the company quietly cut their projected deployment goals in half for 2007. Fletcher Cook, an AT&T spokesman, tells USA Today the company decided there was no need to issue a press release to highlight the change. “We figure people are paying attention to the analysts’ call,”

from: LA Times

AT&T’s TV Rollout Slowed by Glitches

March 1, 2007
By James S. Granelli

California regulators are expected to adopt rules today to make it easier for phone companies to compete for cable TV customers. But don’t expect new competition next month — or even count on it next year.