GA: Video franchise bill hits TV

Posted on February 21, 2007 - 8:09am.

from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

You had to expect it: Video franchise bill hits TV

Sunday, February 18, 2007, 10:40 AM

The first campaign ad of the ‘08 session of the state Legislature has hit the small screen. Sounds strange, doesn’t it?

The sponsoring group is called TV4US. They want passage of H.B.227, the statewide video franchise bill that would permit AT&T to use its phone lines to send TV programs and movies into your house. They’d be in direct competition with cable TV and satellite TV companies.

The TV ad draws a parallel with long-distance phone use, arguing that de-regulation resulted in lower prices.

The web site is www.wewanttvchoicega.com. A list of sponsors is provided, and it includes AT&T. The site has a quick tool for sending canned letters of support to members of the General Assembly. Here’s the text:

Dear Honorable Assemblyperson,

This session, you and your colleagues have the opportunity to take action on something that impacts millions of Georgians — choice in television service.

I am writing you today to encourage you to take action and give Georgians better television service at cheaper prices.

So far, eleven states, including North and South Carolina, have passed consumer-friendly reforms. In fact, over 93% of state lawmakers who have debated the issue in their states have voted in favor of video franchise reform legislation.

The benefits of video franchise reform are real: dramatically increased investment in our states’ infrastructure, better service for customers and an estimated $104 savings per household in the first year.

Please stand up and support House Bill 227.