From: NATOA

For Immediate Release: Contact: Steve Traylor

October 31, 2007 Phone: 703-519-8035

FCC Hands Cable Treats - Costs Local Governments $3.2 Billion

Alexandria, VA – The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) reacts to the 3-2 vote of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the Video Franchise Item in Docket 05-311. NATOA’s Executive Director, Libby Beaty, responded to the news of the vote: “Today, the FCC gave local governments and their residents a rotten apple when it voted to permit incumbent cable operators to take advantage of new franchising rules. The telecos got their goodies from the FCC in December; today, the cable industry received its bag of treats. Those most harmed are our local government’s first responders and the consumers we serve. Preliminary assessment indicates that the cost of replacing the services the FCC will eliminate will be a minimum of $3.2 billion in local tax payer dollars. No wonder the FCC delayed this action to Halloween instead of its original 9/11 meeting date. We will respond to the entirety of the Commission’s order when it is released and available for thorough review.”

NATOA promotes community interests in communications. NATOA is a national trade association based in Alexandria, VA representing local government jurisdictions and consortiums, including elected and appointed officials and staff, who oversee communications and cable television franchising.