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from: WBAY

Senate passes cable competition bill

Associated Press - November 8, 2007 9:45 PM ET

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - AT & T would be able to more easily compete in Wisconsin under a bill that passed the state Senate today with bipartisan support.

The proposal would do away with local franchise agreements for offering cable TV services in place since the 1970s. Instead, a single statewide license would be issued.

That opens the door for companies like AT & T to more easily, and more quickly, serve large parts of Wisconsin.

Opponents argue the bill will not increase competition or lower cable rates as promised.

Governor Doyle has generally supported the bill which he could sign as early as December.

At least 13 other states have approved similar statewide franchising laws.

The bill passed on a 23 to 9 vote.