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from: Broadband Reports

Qwest Sells Iowa On 'Franchise Reform'
Even though they have yet to solidify TV plan
Posted 2007-03-30 14:14:09 by Karl

Like Verizon and AT&T, Qwest has been lobbying state lawmakers hard to try to convince them that if they eliminate the local video franchise system, the public will see lower TV prices and broader deployment.

from: Sioux City Journal

Qwest views TV future in Iowa
By Dave Dreeszen Journal business editor

Legislation that cleared the Iowa Senate last week could pull the plug on Sioux City's cable television monopoly in Sioux City.

The bill would establish statewide cable franchises, making it easier for Qwest Communications and other local phone companies to also offer video services in markets like Sioux City, where Cable One is now the sole cable provider.

from: Iowa City Press

Franchise bill worries some city leaders
Fear losing local control of cable deal

By Hieu Pham
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Friday, March 23, 2007

The state may be moving forward with a cable television franchise touted by supporters for breaking monopolies and lowering consumer prices, but local officials say they are concerned about another effect of the bill.

from: Blandin on Broadband

Statewide Cable Franchising Committee Meeting

I was wrestling socks on my two year old. I turned on the TV to distract her – and what came on? The live committee meeting for the statewide cable franchise proposal! It didn’t distract her but I got out paper and a pen to take the best notes I could. (Remember, I still had the two year old.) I have wrriten them up as best I could. It’s long but hopefully helpful.

from: Denver Post

Qwest may see future in TV

By Kimberly S. Johnson
Denver Post Staff Writer
03/12/2007

Qwest may be looking at delivering TV service in an on-demand fashion, as an alternative to securing state or local TV franchise deals.

The Denver-based telecommunications company wants to better compete against cable companies, such as Comcast, and may take an unorthodox approach - offering television programs on-demand over its high-speed Internet connection.

from: Denver Post

FCC order may help Qwest's quest

By Kimberly S. Johnson
Denver Post Staff Writer
03/11/2007

Although Qwest has lost attempts to win statewide franchise agreements in three states this year, a recent Federal Communications Commission order on the issue may give the company a much-needed boost.

Dear Washington State media activists,

Reclaim the Media was in Olympia this week to speak against a very bad new telecommunications bill, SB6003, which would open the door for Qwest and other telecom companies to provide cable-type video services to customers statewide - but on the company's terms.

Their terms don't include fair support for PEG (public access, government and educational) TV programming, and they would seriously erode local customer accountability. Last but certainly not least, this corporate-sponsored bill would allow Qwest and other companies the right to "cherry-pick" the neighborhoods they want to provide the best services to, while skipping over less affluent or rural neighborhoods.

from:
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD

Legislature: State power grab
Tuesday, February 20, 2007

State lawmakers are looking today at a bill that supporters, chiefly Qwest Communications, proclaim would promote competition in cable TV services. Perhaps so, but the heart of the bill is a wholesale grab of power from cities, counties and communities.

This page last updated 4/7/07
Recent State News via saveaccess: newswire

Bill Number(s):
HB 1983 Read Bill
SB 6003 Read Bill

from: Denver Post

Qwest backs bill allowing state cable franchise

By Kimberly S. Johnson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 02/06/2007 11:11:25 PM MST

Qwest's Colorado president Chuck Ward faced tough questions Tuesday from members of a state House committee, as he testified in support of a bill to create a statewide cable-TV franchise agreement.