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Stevens Unveils Telecom Bill,But Inouye Has Concerns

By David Hatch

(Monday, May 1) A mammoth telecommunications overhaul bill introduced by Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, might list Commerce ranking member Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, as a co-sponsor -- but it does not have his support.

Moments after the bill’s release, Inouye issued a statement saying his co-sponsorship was “in the spirit of bipartisanship” and “not a demonstration of support for the bill itself.”

source: Light Reading

MAY 03, 2006

The Senate's version of telecom reform legislation, released Monday, takes a decidedly localized approach to video franchise reform. And that's not necessarily a bad thing, say the nation's largest phone companies.

From Broadcasting & Cable
Senate Drafts Huge Telecom Bill

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/1/2006 3:59:00 PM

The Senate Commerce Committee has released the draft of its telecom reform bill, and it is a doozy.
In addition to video franchise reform, the main thrust of the House version of the bill, the Senate deals with a host of other issues in its 135-page opus.

May 1, 2006

AARP Joins MML and MTA in fight against Cable Franchise Legislation

To: Mayor/President, City Manager, Finance Director & Cable Commission:

The American Association of Retired Persons, (AARP) of Michigan has joined the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Townships Association to help in the fight against the state issued cable franchise legislation being pushed by AT&T and other big phone companies.

Technology Daily

House Telecom Bill Stalls Over 'Net Neutrality' Vote
By Drew Clark

(Monday, May 1) Legislation to grant Bell telephone companies quick entry into the pay-television market will not be on the House floor this week, aides to Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, confirmed.

As Fight Against Telco/Cable Net Monopoly Looms for House Floor, the Barton-Rush Bill Should Be Scuttled.
More “Scholars” with Undisclosed Financial Connections Back the Telco/Cable PR campaign
from: Digital Destiny, April 28

Proponents of network neutrality will engage in hand-to-hand political combat next week, as the Barton-Rush broadbanditry bill comes to a vote on the House floor. Led by Rep. Ed Markey, the Democrats have apparently awakened from their slumber on network neutrality. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi now plans to co-sponsor the Markey amendment. Ms. Pelosi, Rep. Boucher and others are seeking a ruling to bring the neutrality amendment for a vote. It is also reported that the Democrats will offer an amendment on what is called “build-out.” This would help redress somewhat the plans of AT&T and Verizon to engage in economic redlining; these giants only desire to initially serve the most affluent customers (leaving low-income and others behind).

Note: more recent news indicates the COPE Bill won't be introduced to the full House until the week of May 10th

Telecom Bill Likely to Hit House Floor Next Week
National Journal, April 27, 2006
By Drew Clark

The telecommunications legislation approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee late Wednesday is likely headed for a House floor vote around the middle of next week, aides to Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. said.

Special To Insider Update

Democratic Amendments Fail To Fly
In House Telecom Markup Session

By Drew Clark and David Hatch
(Wednesday, April 26)

Major Democratic-sponsored amendments were defeated Wednesday during a House Energy and Commerce Committee session convened to vote on major telecommunications legislation.

Local governments oppose the proposed Communication, Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act (COPE) and say national franchising would limit video competition to well-to-do neighborhoods, threaten local budgets, and undermine their ability to protect their residents and manage public rights of way.

An unprecedented coalition of organizations representing U.S. cities have issued the following joint statements. The coalition includes; National League of Cities (NLC), US Conference on Mayors, National Association of Counties, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisers (NATOA), Government Finance Officers Association, National Conference of Black Mayors and the International Municipal Lawyers Association.

What's the going rate to get a Democratic sponsor to add their name to what is essentially a Republican/Pro-Corporate Bill? About 1 million dollars . . .

Critics blast SBC-Rush relationship
April 25, 2006

BY LYNN SWEET Sun-Times Washington Bureau Chief
Advertisement

WASHINGTON -- An Englewood community center founded by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), a key player on telecommunications legislation, received a $1 million grant from the charitable arm of SBC/AT&T, one of the nation's largest phone companies.