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from: Surburban Chicago News

Montgomery, Illinois, Joins Opposition to Cable TV Bill

From Beacon News, May 15, 2007
By Andre Salles

The Village Board unanimously voted Tuesday to join other Fox Valley municipalities in opposing state control of cable and video service permits.

The village’s resolution comes out against House Bill 1500, known as the Cable and Video Competition Law of 2007. If passed, that bill will end local franchise agreements for cable television, putting those permits under the control of the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Montgomery officials, like many in the Valley, believe that such a law would remove much-needed control, not only of cable franchises, but of their own rights-of-way. Under the new law, permits would be issued by the ICC for anywhere in the state, regardless of local opposition.

The bill is being pushed by AT&T, who has found resistance in the Fox Valley to its Project Lightspeed, a new form of fiber-optic technology that requires the construction of 5-foot-high metal boxes on private property. The law would allow them to do so without local permission.

Though AT&T has not approached Montgomery for a permit yet, according to Mera Johnson, assistant to the village manager, officials have concerns about Project Lightspeed. They believe allowing AT&T in would violate the village’s franchise agreement with Comcast for cable service, and they are concerned that AT&T has not committed to universal coverage for its new service.

“AT&T is not building out the entire community. They can pick and choose, and we see that as a problem,” Johnson said, adding that she fears poorer areas of the village would not be selected.

Village Attorney Steve Andersson noted that the resolution does not oppose new technology like Project Lightspeed, and the village would welcome AT&T if they play by the rules.

“We encourage AT&T to come into our community,” Johnson agreed. “It’s just the way they’re doing it that we have problems with.”

The bill is under discussion in the Illinois House.