TN: Watson seeks citizens’ input on video measure

Posted on January 25, 2008 - 8:35am.

from: Cleveland Daily Banner

Watson seeks citizens’ input on video measure

By David Davis Managing Editor

Published January 24, 2008 10:45 AM EDT

A local state representative is asking for citizen input on a bill authorizing statewide franchises to companies providing video services.

The General Assembly is again this year considering legislation promoting consumer choice, competition, and better pricing for cable television. The Competitive Cable and Video Services Act would allow companies providing video services to obtain a statewide franchise.

District 22 Rep. Eric Watson said Wednesday he wants more citizen input before he makes a final decision on the Competitive Cable and Video Services Act.

After appearances on local radio, Watson said he received 56 e-mails between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. from constituents.

“All but one was in favor of the bill,” he said. “Some of them had some concerns. I still have a couple of concerns that I believe will be worked out.”

He said this morning the number of e-mails had risen to more than 100 overnight. Only about 20 percent have expressed opposition.

He said everyone wants to have a choice. They want the same level of service available to everyone and franchise taxes paid to local government.

“The phone company will be paying franchise taxes,” he said. “I want video service to be available where there is phone service.”

Watson said there have been many changes in the bill considered in 2007. The one now expected to be presented in the first of four House committees next week.

“What you read in the bill today is not what you’ll get,” he said. “Representatives from the cable industry and AT&T are negotiating today to work out differences, and the Senate has attached 17 amendments to their version.”

District 72 Rep. Steve McDaniel, R-Parkers Crossroads, in Henderson County, is the author of H.B. 1412. He said Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh wanted the two sides to develop a bill on which House members could vote.

McDaniels said he is optimistic the phone company and cable industry can work out an agreement they can be satisfied with that is good for consumers.

He said he sponsored the bill because a free market promotes competition and gives consumers a choice. It is also important for Tennessee to invite capital investment in the communications infrastructure to allow Tennessee to compete in the global economy.

“The telephone industry was deregulated with no restrictions and cable companies jumped all over it,” he said. “The way it is setup now, the telephone companies would have to negotiate with 300 governmental entities.”

One of the biggest obstacles in 2007 was from the Tennessee Municipal League and County Services Association concerning the loss franchise fees and control over rights of way.

“When the legislation is complete, it will give them at least what they have now and maybe more,” he said.

Watson said the bill will also address advances in wireless technology.

“Eventually, people will have access to good wireless technology. They’ll be able to set in their yards and access the Internet on laptops,” he said.

Watson signed on as a sponsor of the bill earlier this month.

“I didn’t sign on at first because it wasn’t a good bill,” he said. “It’s a good bill now.”

H.B. 1421 and the Senate version S.B. 1933 may be viewed on the Internet at www.legislature.state.tn.us.

( categories: AT&T | State Franchises | TENNESSEE )