Cable Choice

Senate Committee on Verge of Consumer Win

The Senate is expected to wind up its markup of legislation that will streamline the video franchise process and move one step closer to a video marketplace where the consumer rules, not the cable company.  There will be some heated debate on issues that could derail the bill like network neutrality.  The committee should focus on sections where there is consensus – opening up the cable marketplace to competition – and take up the other contentious issues another time.  Consumers deserve a victory and the Senate can make it happen.  Move forward on video choice and leave the side issues behind.

Senate Taking Next Step for Competiton

The Senate Commerce committee is taking the next step in bringing cable competition to consumers by marking up legislation today and voting it out of committee next week most likely.  Tech blogger Om Malik’s GigaOm shows us what competition does to cable companies and their broadband service (ups their speeds, keeps prices stable) and what the lack of competition does (stagnant speeds, continued price increases).

Tell your Senator that you demand cable competition and the Senate can make it happen.

Senate Takes up Video Choice

With a great victory for consumers in the House of Representatives last week, consumers are closer than ever to enjoying true competition for cable and broadband services. Today, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on Senator Ted Stevens’ (Alaska) communications bill that will streamline the video franchise process. Stevens modified his initial draft to accommodate the needs of mayors and localities and is poised to move forward with a markup of the bill next week (June 20).

The Senate now can finish the process by keeping to its schedule and pass a good, clean franchise reform bill. Consumers deserve this win – check the clock to see how much consumers could save!

House of Reps Gives Consumers a Win

Let me underscore that – a BIG win. Last night, the House voted overwhelmingly (majorities of both parties) 321-101 to streamline the video franchise process which will spur competition for consumers cable subscriptions. C4CC applauds the House for seeing the bill to final passage – consumers are the real winners. Lower prices, more choices and better service comes when companies compete in the marketplace. The passage of this bill brings competition for cable consumers one step closer.

We’ve learned that Senator Stevens, the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee is expected to release his re-drafted telecom bill which is expected to be the main vehicle for franchise reform in the Senate. There is an aggressive schedule for this legislation with a hearing on June 13 and mark-up of the bill on June 20. That would pave the way for a final vote in the Senate in early July.

The momentum is with cable consumers – lets keep it up!

Pew Report: Broadband Growing

The Pew Internet and American Life Project released a report on the growth of broadband and found some remarkable statistics. 84 million American households now have some form of broadband, up 40% over last year. The report cites the drop in broadband prices contributed to the growth, especially among minority households. Broadband adoption jumped 121% between 2005-2006 among African-American households, according to the report.

Enacting video choice legislation will help further the penetration of broadband by investing in new high-speed networks and providing competition among providers which will drive consumer prices for broadband access down.