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Note: Still clueless in Texas, in these videoes AT&T spokespeople reveal how little they know about their company plans to provide carriage of PEG channels on their IPTV system

AT&T U-Verse plans for Public Access

AT&T executives spoke with Texas and Louisiana Public Access Providers In January 2007 about AT&T plans for PEG channels with its U-Verse service. Public Access Producers, concerned about the possible loss of public access, asked questions about their service or lack of service offerings (PEG Channels are not offered on U-verse at this time). Part 1 of 5.

from: Progress Ohio

Netroots First News: HOUSE IMPEDES PUBLIC ACCESS TO TESTIFY ON CABLE BILL
By Dave Harding - Jun 1st, 2007 at 2:16 pm EDT

Rules show bias toward public input on public utility issues

A contentious bill that would weaken long-standing consumer protections and limit local oversight of cable TV providers just got more contentious when the Chair of the Ohio House Public Utilities Committee created rules that impede public testimony on the bill.

from: Beacon News

Video bill deal eases most of local concerns

June 1, 2007
BY STEVE LORD Staff Writer

A last-minute compromise forged a video service bill in the Illinois General Assembly that local officials are still unhappy with -- but not as much as they were.

from: Callahan's Cleveland Diary

Cable association shows porn at SB 117 hearing

The “news” at the second House Public Utilities Committee hearing on Senate Bill 117 was the cable industry’s outright endorsement of the bill.

Despite the gutting of muni broadband provisions, PEG provisions have somehow survived the AT&T legislative process in Illinois. Just in from a friend:

The Illinois bill passed the House 113-0 and is expected to pass the Senate tonight.

PEG Provisions in SB 678:

PEGs will receive 1% of gross revenues above the 5% franchise fee with a match in funds for PEGs with funding beyond 1%.

from: Sascha Meinrath

[UPDATE 3] AT&T and Legislators Collude to Pass 11-th Hour Telecom Reform. Illinois SB678 Analysis.

Thu, 2007-05-31 11:31

I am only just now getting a chance to make a first read of this amended 128-page document. AT&T's goal is to pass it by tomorrow -- with almost zero debate, due diligence, or public input. From what little I've garnered thus far, this amendment is an utter disaster for Illinois residents. It's being crammed through in a late-night legislative coup because it would never pass if legislators actually had time to read and analyze this massive document -- first I'll begin with most of the "old" language from SB678.

Triple Ploy and the Lie of Competition

In the past two years telephone companies have rushed to introduce national and statewide video franchising legislation around the country to better position themselves as cable TV providers.

Note: Michigan passed the state video franchise bill Jan. 1 2007. Last week, AT&T made a big splash announcing that they now provide service in Michigan. The law provides that PEG channels be carried within 90 days, but AT&T still does not have answers on how that will work. The transcript below is from the public meeting of the Southwestern Oakland Cable Commission. This is what happens when AT&T gets their legislation and finally come to town to start service - they haven't a clue what they are doing.

from: Chicago Business

TV bill passes state House panel

May 31, 2007
By Paul Merrion

(Crain’s) — Legislation to bring TV over phones lines to Illinois, ending cable TV’s near-monopoly, is on the move in Springfield.

Ending lengthy negotiations, AT&T Corp. agreed early Thursday morning to a number of consumer protection provisions crafted for the legislation by Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Consumer groups and municipalities had fought an earlier version of the bill that would have allowed the phone company to win a statewide television franchise with few restrictions.

from: Chicago Business

Madigan enters cable-TV fray
AT&T would challenge Comcast's dominance

Attorney General Lisa Madigan is brokering a deal that could quickly end Comcast Corp.'s near monopoly on cable television in Illinois.