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from: PA House.com

Eachus proposal would allow consumers to choose their cable TV company

HARRISBURG, May 11 -- State Rep. Todd Eachus announced the introduction of legislation that would give consumers the power to choose their cable television provider, programming and service level, and protect consumers by providing state oversight of an industry that currently offers customers no independent arbitrators when disputes occur.

“Right now consumers have the power to choose a telephone company for local and long-distance service, choose an Internet service provider, and even choose what electric utility powers their homes,” Eachus said. “Cable TV consumers in Pennsylvania should have the same right to shop and companies should have the right to work to earn those customers with improved services, rates and a wider range of programming.

“The goal here is to empower the consumer by making sure they have an independent advocate for customer rights; we want to level the playing field for all providers who enter or stay in the cable market, encouraging fair competition and creating choices for the people.”

Eachus’ proposal -- backed by a wide bipartisan coalition of consumer groups, local governments and municipalities, religious groups, and labor unions – would create a statewide cable TV franchise law and give the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission oversight over the cable TV industry. Unlike most other service companies operating in the state, cable TV currently has no state oversight to offer reasonable protection for consumers and encourage fair competition.

“Technology has moved forward – now virtually every major telecommunications company offers phone services, Internet access and cable television. Why should the first two services be open for consumer choice but not the last?” Eachus said.

“We need to make sure the consumer can be a big winner, not just the corporation that ends up on top of the cable industry. Competition will give the people choices, but this bill is about even more.”

Eachus said that his bill would help guarantee that companies would be able to offer access to hospitals, schools, emergency services and libraries, and help foster economic development by making sure broadband access would be available wherever the customer demands it.

“No matter if you’re from the most rural part of Sullivan County or Philadelphia’s Main Line, you’re still a Pennsylvanian, and you deserve to have the power to choose your service provider,” Eachus said.

Currently telecommunications companies must negotiate services and rates with individual boroughs and townships. A recent Federal Communications Commission ruling diminishes those local controls but encourages the creation of statewide franchises like Eachus’ bill will create. Currently New York, New Jersey, Maryland, California and several other states have legislation that would create franchises with similar oversight.

Eachus’ legislation will be referred to the House Consumer Affairs Committee for public hearings and study.

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