from: Eagle-Tribune [1]

Counterpoint: Local control means better cable service

Eleanor L. Pye

In early June, Massachusetts Senate bill 1975 will be voted on to determine whether cable franchising will be negotiated at a state level or remain at the local level. The text of the bill begins, "An act promoting consumer choice and competition for cable service." This statement, and the subsequent bill, could not be further from the truth.

But here are some truths: Senate Bill 1975 was authored by Verizon without any consultation by any state agency. Sections of the bill are deliberately vague, leaving little opportunity for any watchdogging by state or local officials. The application requires less information than something you may complete to join the local YMCA, and the decision process is limited to just 15 business days, leaving little room for any public opinion or hearings.

Successful applicants under this proposed legislation would be able to cherry-pick their service areas, leaving "undesirable," rural communities that may require lengthy and costly fiber or cable installation with no choice for competition or services.

Finally, Senate Bill 1975 does not require a specific list of qualifications from the franchise applicants. Anyone could apply, and transferability of the license would require no franchising process to successors - leaving no accountability whatsoever.

Currently, every 10 years, local governments renegotiate their agreements with the cable companies that have used the town's public rights of way to wire their services. Additionally, any new companies wishing to offer similar services must enter into a similar process.

These negotiations include securing a level of custom services provided to that community, including free access to services in public buildings and schools, accountability on the services' signal and level of service, senior citizen discounts, and ensuring that community has access to its own channels to televise local programming. If franchising becomes a state-run process, all of the aforementioned specifics will begin to disappear.

Throughout the commonwealth, cities and towns are suffering. They are struggling to find ways to make the most out of smaller and smaller budgets. Your cable bill includes, and will continue to include, a line item for franchise fees regardless of whether it will be state or local run. However, losing local franchising will further decrease direct services and local revenue as well as silence communities. Encourage your state senator to vote "No" to Senate bill 1975. Keep cable franchising local, and allow your town and its residents to remain a vital voice in what you truly need and deserve.

Eleanor L. Pye is the executive director of North Andover Community Access & Media Inc.
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