from: bitchslappin.net [1]

Cable Choice and Competition Issue being fought at States Level

Apparently the Telecomms are meeting more resistance than they used to. There is a LOT of lobbying money being spent on this by the Telecomms, as well as by the Cable Companies who have their own agenda. And the fight has gotten dirty. When Massachussetts wanted to amend the Cable Choice and Competition Bill, Verizon started making noises about stopping the buildout of FiOS in Massachussetts, prompting harsh words on both sides of the issue as well as some attention in the halls of Congress about fairness, equity, entitlement, tax breaks, and redlining.

Here are some of the articles published recently around the web about Cable Choice and Competition Legislation in various States.

Massachusetts Cable Choice and Competition

Massachusetts Complains about Verizon Threats [2]
Verizon Suspends push for Mass. TV Franchises [3]
Gov. Accuses Verizon of Making Threats in Tax Dispute [4]

Florida Cable Choice and Competition

As cable TV bill heads to Crist, debate goes on [5]

Cable Bill Loses a Critical Clause [6]
Phone cable plan touted as boon, feared as bias [7]
Titans battle for control of cable TV in Florida [8]

Ohio Cable Choice and Competition

The SB 117 Hearing [9]
The Whole Thing Stinks [10]
Cable Bill Stirs Access Concerns [11]

Wisconsin Cable Choice and Competition

Lawmakers Delay Cable Bill Decision [12]
Wisconsin Customer Service Bill Includes DBS [13]
State Bills May Turn Off Public Access TV [14]
Don't Fall for Propaganda on Cable Franchise Bill [15]
Opinions Split on Cable TV Bill [16]
Foul Smell of Campaign Cash [17]

Georgia Cable Choice and Competition

Rights of Way Giveaway [18]

Tennessee Cable Choice and Competition

Telecommunications Bill Passes Hurdle [19]

Georgia and Missouri passed their Cable Choice and Competition legislation with few changes. It will be interesting to see how they fare with Telecommuncations Giants controlling local Right of Ways with no oversight and no liability for damage, the end of Public Access in any meaningful way, and the higher taxes resulting from the loopholes in franchising requirements and the way percentages are calculated. And we all want to hear what happens with their Cable Rates over the next couple years.