from: Journal Group [1]

AT&T ‘comes calling’ in community

Scott Spielman
Editor
April 19, 2007

Officials in the City of Wayne may not have long to wait to find out how the new state-wide cable legislation works.

Telecommunications giant AT&T wants to provide new high-speed video service in area communities through 2017.

“Communities throughout the area have received notice,” said Bob English, assistant city manager.

Wayne received one last week, too, he said.

The company, which plans to compete with cable providers, has also applied for 10-year agreements in communities like Canton Township, Plymouth Township and the city of Plymouth under a newly adopted state law known as the Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act.

City officials have two options, according to City Attorney Dick Clark. They can approve the agreement or not act on it.

“If we do nothing, it will go into effect anyway,” English said.

Clark advised the council to take the latter option, though.

“If you sign the agreement, you agree to those terms,” he said. “If you don’t you may have some rights down the road if the legislature changes the law or the courts modify it.”

Like other municipal leaders, the Wayne council opposed the law when it was discussed last year.

They were concerned about the revenue stream and loss of control if cable franchises had to follow state regulations rather than local guidelines.

As far as the revenue portion of the proposed AT&T agreement, the company has indicated they would pay the same 5 percent franchise fee current providers pay.
w