Save Access

Microsoft is the software provider for AT&T's cable system set-top box - they stand to gain from imposed video franchise legislation.

from: Lasar Letter

Microsoft tells FCC what it wants for Christmas

by Matthew Lasar Dec 12 2006

Microsoft executives spent much of the first week of this month at the Federal Communications Commission, meeting with Commissioners and staff. Not only did they lobby for specific regulatory policies, they outlined a broad agenda for the FCC to follow in the years ahead.

from: National Journal

Michigan Lawmakers Send Bill On Video-Franchising To Governor

By Michael Martinez

(Tuesday, December 12) The Michigan legislature cleared to the governor legislation that would streamline the state's video-franchising rules.

The state Senate passed an amended version of the bill by a vote of 26-12, and the state House quickly endorsed the changes on what is expected to be the last day of the legislative session.

from: My DD

Governor Granholm Selling Out the Internet?

by Matt Stoller, Mon Dec 11, 2006 at 02:21:51 PM EST

It's still difficult to pass net neutrality protections, and it looks like it might be getting harder because state level officials aren't able to withstand pressure from corporate lobbies. The telecoms have a powerful and effective strategy - use their allies in the CBC and New Dems to stop net neutrality protections on the Federal level, while passing video franchising rights in the states so they don't need Federal permission to expand their business. We stopped them in Pennsylvania, but they have the upper hand in a fight in Michigan where a bill is being debated.

from: Multichannel News

California Taps Telecom Panel

By Linda Haugsted 12/11/2006

Executives from Verizon Communications, AT&T and Cox Communications are among 21 industry leaders who will craft California’s future telecommunications policy as part of a task force named by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

from: ICDP Dispatch

Monday, December 04, 2006

Public Access TV Threatened by HB 6456

The ICDP has been an avid user of and supporter of the services provided by our local public access TV folks, the Mid-Michigan Area Cable Consortium (MAC3-TV) that operates our public, educational and governmental channels in Gratiot, Clare and Isabella Counties. But a new telecommunications law now being discussed by the lame-duck legislature could eliminate all funding for public access television as early as Tuesday. We need you to call our legislators ASAP. Here’s the rest of the story.

from: Associated Press

Committee Sends Cable Bill to State Senate, but More Work Remains

From Associated Press, December 6, 2006
By David Eggert

Legislation that supporters say would give Michigan customers more choice in the cable TV market is one step closer to approval, though lawmakers say some issues may never be fully resolved.

from: Austin American Statesman

COMMENTARY

Williams: In defense of local control

Chad Williams, AUSTIN COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

After 22 consecutive years of telecommunications deregulation, the law that ensures consumer protection and local control is in jeopardy.

This week's astroturf candidate: The National Black Caucus of State Legislators

from: Broadcasting & Cable

Black Legislators Back Light Regulatory Touch

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/5/2006

With prospects dimming for national video franchise reform legislation anytime soon, the battle over the issue of network neutrality continues on the state level.

from: Kalamazoo Gazette

Lawmakers need time on cable franchise bill
Monday, December 4, 2006

The state Legislature is rushing to complete several bills and, in that rush, there is a danger that legislation may be passed hastily that requires more time and thought.

from: LA Times

Congress likely to hang up on ’06 telecom reform

By Jim Puzzanghera
Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON – Big phone companies trying to dial in an overhaul of telecommunications laws will have to hang up and try the call again next year.

The Democratic takeover of Congress makes it increasingly unlikely that AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. will be able to push through stalled legislation to make it easier for them to sell pay television.