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from: Cleveland Daily Banner

Cleveland City Council passes resolution in opposition to state franchising

The Council approved a resolution expressing its opposition to proposed legislation in the 105th General Assembly by AT&T titled the “Competitive Cable and Video Service Act.”

According to the resolution, passage of the bill would prohibit state and local governments from imposing quality and service standards. It would also eliminate the regulation and enforcement of public rights-of-way at the local government level.

Mayor Tom Rowland said during the meeting Charter, the current cable provider, does not have an exclusive franchise with the city.

“AT&T is welcome to negotiate a cable franchise with the city, but so far they have chosen not to,” he said. “If they get a statewide franchise, they will be able to cherry pick and provide service where they want. The city will not have any control over it.”

Cate said it is his understanding cities would be held financially harmless, but it would remove local authority and place it with the state.