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from: Chicago Tribune

Senate greenlights cable bill
Franchise rules to soften if governor signs off

By Monique Garcia
Tribune staff reporter
Published June 19, 2007, 2:43 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD—In a move aimed at creating cable TV competition and lowering rates statewide, the Senate passed legislation today that would allow AT&T and other telecommunications companies to more easily get into the cable-television business.

Supporters predicted consumers will benefit from competition by seeing the latest technology and better rates.

The legislation passed 54-0, with one present vote, and now goes to Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The proposal would make it easier for AT&T to go up against cable operators in Illinois because it streamlines franchising rules, doing away with a cumbersome system in which new TV service providers must seek town-by-town approval for laying wires. AT&T, under competitive attack from cable operators like Comcast Corp. that are vying for telephone customers, is fighting back with plans to offer TV service.

The legislation had earlier faced opposition from the cable industry and others. The final bill, the product of intensive negotiations, would give existing cable operators six months to enact a group of tough new consumer-protection policies.

"We are frankly thrilled by the service quality standards that are in this bill," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.