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from: Denver Post

Qwest move spurs surprise
By Kimberly S. Johnson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 12/19/2007 02:01:04 AM MST

Local leaders said Tuesday they were surprised to learn that Qwest would no longer pursue cable-franchise agreements at the state or municipal level, as the company was taking steps to gain support for legislation that would have allowed it to do so.

from: 620 WTMJ

Governor Doyle Likely to Sign Cable Competition Bill

Story Updated: Dec 18, 2007

Governor Doyle today says he wants to sign a bill that would allow cable competition in Wisconsin.

The bill would basically super-cede local cable franchise agreements that exist across the state. Right now, any company that wanted to compete would have to work out agreements with all the municipalities.

from: Times News

AT&T pushing to offer cable services statewide

Published 12/16/2007 By Hank Hayes

Gregg Morton is selling an idea the cable companies don’t want you or Tennessee lawmakers to buy.

Morton, the state president of AT&T, is the pitchman for his company having a statewide video services franchise that could shake up Tennessee’s telecommunications industry.

from: Cup of Joe

Wednesday, December 12, 2007
More on AT&T's Plan To Avoid Local Fees

All the noise and furor (and millions spent lobbying state legislators) from AT&T demanding Tennessee law be changed so that AT&T does not have to negotiate with cities for franchise contracts (depriving them of revenue from fees and handing over control of rights-of-way) is apparently not important in Mississippi. In that state, they seem to have no problems working community by community, just as all cable providers currently operate.

from: Ohio Department of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/14/2007

Contact: Barney Wolf at (614) 644-7115
barney.wolf@com.state.oh.us
or

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

VIDEO-SERVICE AUTHORIZATION GRANTED TO TIME WARNER CABLE

Cable provider receives 10-year approval

Ohio Commerce Director Kimberly Zurz today granted statewide video-service authorization to Time Warner Cable LLC.

from: Branson Agent

Gov. Blunt Honored as Technology Statesman of the Year

Missouri Governor's Office Press Release

ST. LOUIS - Gov. Matt Blunt today was honored by the Missouri Enterprise Technology Association as the Technology Statesman of the Year.

"One of the commitments I made when I ran for governor was to create efficiencies in state government by putting Missouri on the cutting-edge of technology," Blunt said. "In health care, I want Missourians to benefit from the most technologically advanced systems of care. In communications, I want Missourians to benefit from the most robust competition possible, competition that includes video cable. In education, I want to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed in the Math, Engineering, Technology and Science based careers of the future."

from: Broadband Reports

Wisconsin Residents Have Concerns About U-Verse
State assembly changes franchise rules and plans move forward

01:33PM Saturday Dec 15 2007 by KathrynV

Earlier this week, the Wisconsin State Assembly agreed to change cable franchise rules and make them statewide.

from: Journal Sentinal

AT&T U-verse access debated
City's low-income areas often lack cable alternative

By RICK BARRETT and BEN POSTON
rbarrett@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Dec. 10, 2007

Offering more than 300 TV and music channels, plus high-speed Internet access, AT&T's new U-verse video service provides a dizzying array of features, such as the ability to program its video recorder via the Internet. Unlike its major cable-television rivals, it also offers the Big Ten Network and NFL Network.

from: The Consumerist"

Local Franchise Authorities Keep Cable Operators In Line

Cable companies must constantly prove their worth to local franchise authorities. The authorities grant the cable providers permission to operate, and can whip them into action for failing to meet basic customer service standards, as reader Darren shows.

from: The Badger Herald

Cable bill reaches governor’s office

by Jessi Polsky
Thursday, December 13, 2007

The Wisconsin State Assembly passed the Video Competition Act Tuesday night, making Gov. Doyle’s signature the last step before the bill becomes law.

If signed by Doyle, the bill will take the power to grant video franchises from local municipalities and place it in the hands of the state government.