Save Access

from: Forida Consumer Viewpoint

Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Charlie's Consumer Credibility Disappearing

Governor Charlie Crist is losing credibility as a consumer advocate because of recent bill signings. Most notably, the statewide cable franchising bill was opposed by every consumer group in the state and national consumer groups including Consumer Federation of America, Consumer's Union, ACORN, PIRG, and FreePress.

from: Main Street Monroe

SB117, the begining of the end of 'Live' Broadcasts from TV Middletown?

S.B. 117 is supposed to increase competition and improve cable service in Ohio, but S.B. 117 might do the opposite.

The bill was just approved by the Ohio Senate and now moves to the Ohio House.

Today the Senate Commerce Committee approved the ATT Bill. Unclear if it moves directly to the floor or to another Committee. One of the amendments (PEG/INET amendment) approved today I think protected somewhat existing PEG and INET’s, I don’t have the exact language so unclear how far that amendment goes.

The House Commerce Committee continued discussions but did not vote on the Bill today. They will have a joint meeting tomorrow morning with the State and Local Committee then in the afternoon they may reconvene to discuss and vote on it.

The state video legislation in your state is moving fast, please take a moment to take action!

from: Illinois Issues

ENDS AND MEANS

A legislative measure would end most regulation of new wired video service

by Charles N. Wheeler III

"When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled."

African proverb

In the legislative battle now under way between two heavyweight industries — the telephone companies and the cable television providers — what's at risk of getting trampled is the public interest.

From: Gazette

Local govts. oppose Telecom Reform Act

By LAUREN DARSON
Legislative Gazette Staff Writer
Mon, May 21, 2007

In rural parts of New York state, broadband Internet access is only a figment of the imagination and in some regions, cable is a luxury not yet available.

Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Elmsford, and Sen. Vincent Leibell, R,C-Patterson, introduced last Tuesday the Telecommunications Reform Act of 2007 (S.5124/A.3980B) to increase competition among cable providers, raise the level of telephone service and to bring wider access to broadband Internet.

from: Common Dreams

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 22, 2007
11:18 AM

CONTACT: Free Press
Jen Howard, Free Press, (202) 265-1490, x 22

Ohio Lawmakers Urged to Oppose AT&T-Backed Bill
SB 117 Puts Future of Broadband and Public Access Channels at Risk

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MAY 22 - Consumer groups and local public access stations are urging Ohio state legislators to oppose Senate Bill 117 — legislation that would eliminate longstanding consumer protections and local oversight of cable TV providers. The bill, which already passed the state Senate, will be considered by a key House committee tomorrow, May 23.

from: Cup of Joe

Battle Intense on Flawed Cable Franchise Change
Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Once again today, state legislatures take up the issue of some very unwise changes to how cable franchises are provided and regulated. It's been the single most dollar-gulping lobby effort this year in state government, with current spending at just over $4 million. (And that's just the amount as of April of this year.)

from: Detroit News

AT&T stokes cable, Web war
Some Comcast customers will have choice for 1st time
Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Eric Morath / The Detroit News

The days of rising cable bills could be over in Metro Detroit.

AT&T Inc. launches its U-verse television service in 50 Metro Detroit communities today, giving cable companies, chiefly Comcast, their stiffest competition yet.

from: PennLive

House proposal would step up giving viewers more selection
Monday, May 21, 2007

Aproposal in the state House is a solid step to ward speeding up consumer choice in selecting cable television service while also providing necessary regulatory oversight.