Save Access

from: Keep Us Connected

Amended HB 1500 Language on the Move

On the morning of May 31, the House Telecommunications Committee passed an amendment to Senate Bill 678. This amendment included language from HB 1500.http://saveaccess.org/node/add/blog

The amendment resolves public, educational, government (PEG) access TV issues and maintains strong consumer protections. The amendment improves but does not address all concerns about build-out requirements.

Note: We're not sure if quoting George Tenet on the Iraqi War intelligence report is such a good idea. Then again, given the disinformation surrounding state video franchises around the country, maybe it's entirely appropriate.

from: Albany Project

A "Slam Dunk" on Telecom Reform Act Vote

from: Farmington Enterprise

Cable franchise fall-out: Local officials learn more about AT&T

Thursday, May 24th, 2007

If you’re looking for cheap cable service, you might want to do some serious comparisons between local cable providers and AT&T’s new U-verse service, being rolled out in this area now.

from: Sascha Meinrath

In Illinois, AT&T Lobbyists Hole up In State Legislator Offices, Will Attempt Midnight Legislative Coup.

Wed, 2007-05-30 16:50

I've just learned that AT&T lobbyists are holed up in state legislators offices and are rewriting state laws that they will attempt to get passed in the dead of night. One might think that this is some sort of nefarious plot to some Gotham City corruption scandal, but it's happening right now in the State of Illinois. With massive public opposition to HB1500, it appears likely that AT&T and it's legislators will attempt to attach amendments to SB 678.

from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Governor signs video franchise bill AT&T wanted

By SCOTT LEITH
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/31/07

AT&T, which harbors hopes of becoming a big force in selling TV services, got a boost Wednesday from the state of Georgia.

from: Boston Globe

Locals fight to keep rein on cable TV

By Laura M. Colarusso, Globe Correspondent
May 31, 2007

As the Legislature focuses on a bill that would seize from municipalities the authority to approve cable TV licenses, local opposition to the proposed law is growing. That resistance is expected to be on full display Tuesday when a legislative committee holds a public hearing on the bill, which would allow telecom companies to bypass local governments before entering their cable markets.

from: Denver Post

Statewide franchising of cable OK'd in Iowa

The state becomes the first in Qwest's service area to adopt the measure, aiding the company's video push.
By Andy Vuong Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 05/30/2007 09:43:51 PM MDT

The first state in Qwest's local service territory has approved a statewide cable-franchising measure.

from: Sioux City Journal

Culver signs cable television expansion bill

Governor vetoes Missouri River panel changes
By Dan Gearino Journal Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES -- Gov. Chet Culver closed the books on this year's legislative session Tuesday, signing 11 bills, including a measure that will allow cable television providers to apply for the right to sell their services statewide.

from: Herando Today

Cable bill's effects are still fuzzy
By TONY MARRERO
lmarrero@hernandotoday.com
May 30, 2007

BROOKSVILLE — The county’s cable franchise agreement with Bright House Networks remains safe for now despite a new law that changes the rules for such agreements, according to a spokesman with the firm.

from: Access North GA

Perdue signs new laws, vetoes 41 bills

The Associated Press - ATLANTA

Gov. Sonny Perdue's veto pen got a workout on Wednesday.

Perdue vetoed 41 bills _ more than twice the number he rejected the year before. And the governor slashed more than $18 million in spending and bonds from the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.