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from: Republican American

U-verse TV battle moves to state court

BY DAVID KRECHEVSKY REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

HARTFORD — The fate of AT&T's U-verse television service now rests with a state superior court judge.

Judge Robert F. McWeeny conducted a hearing Friday before a packed house in Hartford Superior Court on a request from AT&T Inc. to overturn a ruling by state regulators that requires the company to seek a cable TV franchise license for U-verse.

from: Capital Times

AT&T loses bid for TV service

Jeff Richgels — 10/25/2007 10:10 am

AT&T has been handed another defeat in its efforts to offer its U-verse TV service in Connecticut without a cable franchise -- a situation with potential implications for other states, including Wisconsin.

A bill introduced in Wisconsin would provide for statewide cable franchising but has run into strong opposition. AT&T moved forward with U-verse in Milwaukee without a franchise, was sued for that move by the city, then made an interim agreement with the city pending outcome of the case or the franchising legislation.

from: Tennessean

AT&T Wants a Dodge Despite Allowances for Franchising in Tennessee

October 26, 2007
By Stacey Briggs

Cities and counties across Tennessee, particularly Nashville, have rolled out the red carpet for AT&T, inviting the company to begin the application process for a local franchise to provide competitive television services in this market.

Note: Tennessee faces another round of industry lobbying and propaganda.

from: The Tennessean

Franchise reform works in other states
Thursday, 10/25/07

By GREGG MORTON

I enjoy a good debate, and the Tennessee General Assembly has participated in a lively debate on the future of consumer access to advanced communication services in our state.

from: Tennessean

Consumers have best chance with statewide video franchise
Today's Topic: Sabers rattle over video rights
Thursday, 10/25/07

Our View

As long as Tennessee legislators focus on what's best for consumers, they will be on the right track if and when a renewed battle between AT&T and cable operators erupts next year.

from: Hartford Courant

Connecticut Attorney General Shifts Stance on AT&T TV Service

October 24, 2007
By Mark Peters

After winning a months-long battle that ended with a prohibition against AT&T’s signing up new customers for its TV service, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday said the phone giant should be allowed to resume marketing the service.

from: St. Petersburg Times

Florida County Joins Cable Challenge

October 23, 2007
By Barbara Behrendt

Hernando County commissioners Tuesday joined the chorus of other central Florida officials who are considering legal action to keep local government and educational programming on basic cable television.

from: Norwalk Advocate

AT&T says no U-verse if license is necessary
By Brian Lockhart
Staff Writer

October 25, 2007

HARTFORD - If AT&T must apply for a cable franchise for its fiber-optic U-verse, it would stop offering the television service in Connecticut, a company vice president said yesterday.

from: Illinoize

Video competition: Phone vs. Cable

Wednesday, October 24, 2007
by Bethany Jaeger

The phone giant AT&T officially can compete with cable companies on a statewide level to offer high-tech video services to customers. But that doesn’t guarantee the company will build out those services in all areas of the state any time soon. See Crain’s Chicago Business story here.

from: Chicago Business

AT&T gets OK to offer statewide video service

Oct. 24, 2007
By Brandon Glenn

(Crain’s) — A state regulatory agency approved AT&T Inc.’s application to offer video service across the state.

The Illinois Commerce Commission’s acceptance of the application is a first. Previously, cable or video companies had to negotiate on a city-by-city basis if they wanted to offer service in Illinois.