Progress in House on Franchise Reform

Good (but still early) news out of Congress (via Reason Foundation’s blog, IPDemocracy, Multichannel News) today that the bipartisan leadership of the House Energy & Commerce Committee – the committee considering franchise reform legislation - have reached agreement on granting a national franchise to new entrants in the cable business. The exact details of what is in the bill remains to be seen but this is a BIG step forward. Talks among these leaders have been on going since last November. This breakthrough sets the stage for a mark-up of a national franchise bill next week. Consumers across the country will be able to enjoy the benefits that consumers in select cities like Keller, TX of true competition to cable – lower rates, better service and more choices. Of course we can’t get ahead of ourselves, but we can feel more optimistic that Congress hears the needs of cable customers and is making progress on a solution.

Comments

[Robert Kam]

If a national franchise is now going to happen I only hope and pray they require Public Educational and Government channels in that franchise. The telcos have succeeded with their lobbying money to undermine the hard work of local government. Astroturf organizations, like Consumers for Cable Choice, created and funded by the telcos thwart the efforts of grassroots organizations that have fought to preserve these channels.