Save Access

from: New Standard News

Congress Looks to Offer Big Telecoms ‘Prize’
Media activists say Net access, local TV control at stake

by Megan Tady

New legislation that fails to enshrine principles of “network neutrality” also federalizes now-local control of TV providers and lets broadband companies leave underprivileged communities behind.

SAVEACCESS ACTION ALERT!
TAKE ACTION BEFORE THURSDAY!

Dear saveaccess supporter,

This is a very important week for action and we're asking you for three favors:

1) Send our letter to your senators to say "Fix S.2686 or vote NO!"
Go to http://saveaccess.org/takeaction

2) Send our letter to your Congressional Reps that voted for COPE and "Ask them WHY?"

from: Toronto Star

An Internet rigged by providers?
Jun. 19, 2006. 07:14 AM
ANTONIA ZERBISIAS

If you're like many Canadians, you hate the way you have to take — and pay for — TV channels you never watch just to get those channels you do watch.

from: Washington Times

Cable act seen hurting localities

By Jacqueline Palank
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published June 16, 2006

Counties and cities that broker their own cable service deals in the Washington area are worried that recent efforts to shift control to the state and federal levels would hurt customer service and local programming.

from: Dane101

The Cost: Rep. Mark Green and the Telecoms

Submitted by Jesse Russell
Thu, 2006-06-15 10:56.

Earlier this week we took a look at Rep. Ron Kind (D-03) and the money he has received from the telecommunications industry during his career. Kind voted last week for the Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 minus the inclusion of preserving Internet freedom, a.k.a, network neutrality. Joining this "New" Democrat in his decision to pass legislation that endangers the future of Internet-based small business in Wisconsin were Wisconsin Rep. Thomas Petri (R-06), Rep. Paul Ryan (R-01), and gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mark Green (R-08). Dane101 took Green to task immediately following the House vote on the premise that anyone who would vote against the best interest of small business in Wisconsin - as well as the potential the Internet provides for our arts and culture - has no right leading the state as Governor.

Long Story Short: The 2006 Rewrite of U.S. Communications Policy

By Lauren-Glenn Davitian,
Center for Media & Democracy (VT)
davitian@cctv.org

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a National Video Franchising bill on June 8th 2006. This bill, known as COPE—the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 (H5252)—permits the telephone companies to get quickly into the cable TV business by sidestepping local government approval (franchises) in favor of national service approval from the FCC. The Senate will by Senator Ted Stevens – R/ Alaska, raises many of the same public interest concerns in COPE. By moving into the video business the phone companies will control both access to networks and content, much like the cable companies do today. If allowed to do so under the conditions proposed in these bills, there are serious questions about the future of open networks and prospects for real competition on the Internet (a/k/a net neutrality). Other areas of concern include: local management of the public rights of way, the redlining low income and rural communities and long term protections for public, educational and government access media.

from: Mercury News
Also Read Davey D's Open Letter to Hip Hop.

Hip-hop’s Next Big Stop: Capitol Hill

From Mercury News, June 15, 2006
By Davey D

Friday marks what would have been the 35th birthday of slain rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur, and this year is the 10th anniversary of his death.

From: Black Commentator

Black Caucus Caves to Corporate Power
Two-Thirds Vote Against Black Interests

By Bruce Dixon

The independence of black American leadership is under assault by a tsunami of cash. Unprecedented levels of corporate underwriting are subverting black civic organizations. Tens of millions in faith-based federal grants have been deployed to suborn black clergy. Rivers of charitable and campaign contributions have been invested in subduing or silencing the voices of African America elected officials. Predictably, the onslaught is taking its toll.

A clear statement from Rep. Serrano (NY) on why he voted against COPE. We have a campaign for you to ask your Reps why they voted FOR COPE. Go here to send a letter today!

House Passes Bill to Gut Local Control of Cable Franchises

Last night, the House passed H.R. 5252, a bill to replace local control of cable franchises with a set of minimal requirements under a national franchise. Currently, each local franchising authority, typically a municipal government, is permitted to negotiate agreements with video service providers that are looking to introduce service into an area. The agreements include compensation to the locality for uses of its rights of way, funding for PEG (public, educational and governmental) programming, customer service dispute procedures and other terms.

We revisit this story because it's worth remembering as the Senate vote looms. The Telcos have already received 200 Billion in subsidies and tax abatements and have failed to deliver the promised services. Now they want further deregulation that will effect how we receive information via the internet and television.

Additional stories:
“The $200 Billion Broadband Scandal.” — AKA Where’s the 45MB/s I Already Paid for!