Big Week for Consumers in Congress

It’s a big week in the House of Representatives for consumers because the Energy & Commerce committee is taking up the video franchise bill (aka the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act) for a full vote. Its an opportunity for members of the committee to declare that they stand with consumers and pass a good, clean franchise reform bill or that that they stand on the side of the cable companies and continually increasing cable rates. Will the members stand for better service and more choices or will they stand for the status quo service standards and no opportunity to choose another provider? These are the options.

Comments

[Nancy Padlo]

I am all for competition. My comcast cable bill is skyrocketing! Every January we have an increase. However, I'm concerned that due to legislation being presented, we are being asked to pay cable taxes to Verizon even though we do not subscribe. You must have seen the TV advertisement about this. Is this true?

[George Croly]

Tie-in sales,aka Bundling is against Federal Law,and most States laws.

The present sytem is fune for a 4th.
rare nation who gives monopoly rewards to those who tender the biggest bribes.

Comcast charges me for 24 english language channels I never view,plus
4 in a language i do not understand.

C-band Satellite TV was offering ala carte in the 1980`s.

Consumers need either choice,with perhaps a reasonable minimum of 5 selections,or open up the whole USA to every Cable Provider;just like the
broadcast networks.
Truly,
George Croly

[albeej]

Will the Sun rise tomorrow?
As sure as it will, the bill will also pass.
Don't sweat the small things!

[Bob Johnson]

Nancy - Thank you for your comment.
While I’m not certain, I think Comcast is referring to the New Jersey legislation and alleging that it proposes a tax increase. I think they use these words because they think it will scare consumers. Big Cable doesn’t want to lose its exclusive, monopolistic environment – even as it jumps to compete in other areas of communication services (voice most recently and Internet service in most areas.) Video (or cable TV) is the last bastion where competition isn’t fully engaged, and they want to keep it that way.

I think the comment actually refers to franchise fees, which cable companies are normally charged by the communities that grant them franchises – the exclusive right to serve within a defined territory. These fees, at present, go back to the local community that issued the franchise. This is one of those issues that will be dealt with as the legislation progress. The good news from the New Jersey lawmakers is that they expect competition to drive cable rates down by 23 percent.