Save Access

from: Cup of Joe

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Connected Tennessee Backers A Front for AT&T?

A recent examination of a program to expand internet access, which began in Kentucky and then moved into Tennessee and now goes under the name Connected Nation raises some concerns that the entire project is basically a PR machine for AT&T.

from: Times Free Press

Telecoms compete EPB set to challenge Comcast for local customers

By: Jason Reynolds
TimesFreePress Audio

In the past, Comcast only offered cable programming and EPB just sold electricity.

Now, Comcast offers telephone and Internet service as well, and EPB is poised to offer the complete package of video, telephone and Internet service.

from: Citizen Tribune

AT&T still trying to get connected

House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh took offense at Gov. Phil Bredesen’s recent criticism of his attempt to broker a cable bill in the Legislature by forcing a back-room compromise between Tennessee’s existing cable industry and AT&T, which is trying — for the second year — to break into the broadband cable and Internet market in Tennessee.

from: The Tennessen

AT&T video debate heats up
Company wants TV franchise that lets it bypass areas
By NAOMI SNYDER • Staff Writer • February 17, 2008

A key point in a contentious debate in the General Assembly revolves around who will get AT&T's new TV service.

It has been rolled out in parts of 12 states, but not yet in Tennessee as a legislative battle over licensing rules plays out in the General Assembly. The cable industry wants to force AT&T to build out to a significant part of the state's population, following longtime local rules where cable companies typically must serve nearly every home in a county.

Forbes

Lawmakers meet with reps on cable bill
02.05.08, 1:24 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh on Monday denied there's been a lack of transparency in the handling of a contentious proposal to change cable permitting rules in Tennessee to encourage broadband access around the state.

The Nashville Post

Naifeh on cable-AT&T battle
Nashville Post
Ken Whitehouse
02/04/08

Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Jimmy Naifeh was joined by two Republican colleagues in his office to guarantee to the media that "there will be a bill brought before the state legislature" in the ongoing battle of AT&T vs. Cable.

from: The Tennessean

Naifeh wants AT&T, Comcast to agree
Governor doubts rival cable businesses will compromise
By NAOMI SNYDER • Staff Writer • February 5, 2008

House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh and a bipartisan group of legislators vowed Monday to press ahead on legislation to allow AT&T to sell video services across Tennessee, despite doubts that a deal can be worked out with rival cable providers.

from: The Tennessean

AT&T's stand against franchising rules is potentially discriminatory

By BISHOP GEORGE PRICE • February 3, 2008

Almost a half-century ago, the battle for civil rights and equal opportunity raged throughout the communities of Tennessee.

from: Knox News

Bredesen questions tactics in cable-permitting fight
Governor says he may get involved in contentious proposal

Associated Press
Friday, February 1, 2008

CHATTANOOGA - Gov. Phil Bredesen is questioning the approach by House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh in the fight to change cable-permitting rules in Tennessee to encourage broadband access around the state.

News Channel 5

Bredesen Questions Approach To Fight Over Cable Permitting
Posted: Jan 31, 2008 07:58 PM

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen is questioning the approach by House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh in the fight to change cable permitting rules in Tennessee to encourage broadband access around the state.