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from: MultiChannel News

Tennessee Franchising Bill Aims To Extend Broadband Services
Proposal Would Assign Franchising Authority To State Regulators
by Linda Haugsted
Multichannel News
4/7/2008 12:59:00 PM

Legislators in Tennessee have been presented a new version of a state franchising bill with a unique scheme to incent new providers to extend broadband services.

from: Times Free Press

Lawmakers say AT&T bill should promote cable competition
by Andy Sher
Chattanooga Times Free Press
04/08/08

NASHVILLE — Lawmakers said Monday that Tennessee consumers should benefit from a compromise that allows AT&T to compete more easily with cable companies such as Comcast in offering television services.

from: The Tennessean

AT&T, cable rivals agree on rules for TV
Phone giant will have quota for offering statewide access
By NAOMI SNYDER • Staff Writer • April 7, 2008

After months of secret negotiations between AT&T and the cable industry, both sides have agreed on many of the ground rules for AT&T's entry into the television service business in Tennessee — including how many customers must get access and how many households must be in low-income neighborhoods.

from: The Tennessean

Deal is near on AT&T's statewide cable plans
Compromise bill is expected to be unveiled Monday
By THEO EMERY and NAOMI SNYDER • Staff Writers • April 5, 2008

Lawmakers expect to unveil compromise legislation on Monday that would permit AT&T to offer its television services statewide, capping months of closed-door talks between feuding sides of the telecommunications industry.

from: Memphis Business Journal

Friday, April 4, 2008
Comcast, AT&T work together on new bill for franchising rights
by Einat Paz-Frankel Staff writer

After vociferously contending an AT&T, Inc.-backed bill on the state's Capitol Hill last year, Comcast Corp. is now working with the telecom giant behind closed doors to create a new bill that will assuage both parties while changing the way video franchising rights are granted in Tennessee.

From: The Chattanoogan

Legislators Say Bill Sought By AT&T Finally Ready
posted April 4, 2008

Legislative leaders said they have finally reached agreement on a statewide franchise bill sought by AT&T that is expected to result in a new cable TV option for Chattanooga residents and others throughout Tennessee.

from:

from: The Albany Herald

Timing on new cable till fuzzy
AT&T’s is licensed to provide cable TV in Albany, but there is no word on when — or if — service might start.

SUSAN MCCORD susan.mccord@.at.albanyherald.com

ALBANY — A new Georgia law allowed AT&T to purchase on Feb. 14 a single state video franchise that includes much of metro Albany, but the company is slow to say when it will bring U-verse television service to Southwest Georgia.

from: The Reflector

New arrangement nets city more money

By T. Scott Batchelor
The Daily Reflector

Monday, March 24, 2008

The city of Greenville is getting more money now that state — rather than local — government is franchiser for cable systems, local officials said.

from: The Tennessean

Ethics opinions find two lobbying violations
PR firm, ex-Bredesen adviser could be fined

By THEO EMERY and JENNIFER BROOKS • Staff Writer • March 25, 2008

State lobbying rules may have been violated in two high-profile legislative fights, one over Internet wine sales and the other over cable television regulation, according to the Tennessee Ethics Commission.