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from: KCRG News

Dubuque Concerned About Proposed Cable Bill

A bill moving through the statehouse has city leaders in Dubuque on the edge of their seats.

The bill would give the state control over negotiating deals with cable television providers.

Every other Monday night the City of Dubuque broadcasts its council meetings live on the city's public access channel.

from: Broadband Reports

Qwest Sells Iowa On 'Franchise Reform'
Even though they have yet to solidify TV plan
Posted 2007-03-30 14:14:09 by Karl

Like Verizon and AT&T, Qwest has been lobbying state lawmakers hard to try to convince them that if they eliminate the local video franchise system, the public will see lower TV prices and broader deployment.

frm: Blog for Iowa

Help Fight Public Help for Cable TV Companies

By Mike Brau

As you may have read, the Iowa Senate recently passed SF 544 which would change how communities franchise cable TV providers. Under the proposed law new entrants, specifically Qwest, would be given an opportunity to by-pass the municipal franchising process and receive a franchise from the state under preferential terms. Many of the community benefits negotiated by municipalities on behalf of their citizens would likely be lost as the bill contains a provision that if a competitor gives notice they intend to seek a state franchise that the incumbent cable operator can cancel their existing franchise and receive a state-issued franchise. The House Commerce Committee will likely be taking up the bill the week of April 1. Now is the time to contact Commerce Committee members.

from: West Branch Times

Senate bill would ease burden on companies entering TV market

by Rob Poggenklass, March 28, 2007

A bill passed by the Iowa Senate last week would make it easier for cable TV service providers to enter new markets, by eliminating the companies’ need to negotiate franchise agreements with individual municipalities.

from: Sioux City Journal

Qwest views TV future in Iowa
By Dave Dreeszen Journal business editor

Legislation that cleared the Iowa Senate last week could pull the plug on Sioux City's cable television monopoly in Sioux City.

The bill would establish statewide cable franchises, making it easier for Qwest Communications and other local phone companies to also offer video services in markets like Sioux City, where Cable One is now the sole cable provider.

from: Iowa City Press

Franchise bill worries some city leaders
Fear losing local control of cable deal

By Hieu Pham
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Friday, March 23, 2007

The state may be moving forward with a cable television franchise touted by supporters for breaking monopolies and lowering consumer prices, but local officials say they are concerned about another effect of the bill.

from: Globe Gazette

Senate OKs bill to ease cable TV competition

By Dan Gearino, Globe Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES — Cable television providers would have an easier time entering the Iowa market under a bill passed Tuesday in the Iowa Senate, a measure that supporters say would lead to lower rates and greater options.

from: Iowa City Press

Cable competition could be on way

By the Associated Press
Tuesday, March 20, 2007

DES MOINES — The state could grant a statewide cable television franchise under a measure approved today by the Senate.

Supporters said the proposal would bring new competition to a monopoly industry and drive down consumer costs.

from: KWWL. com

March 2, 2007 -- Des Moines

Cable Franchise Options

You may soon be able to have more cable television options. An Iowa Senate Committee approved a plan that would put the state in charge of granting cable franchises.

Current law puts that power in the hands of local government. The bill goes to the Senate.

This page last updated 4/18/07
Recent State News via saveaccess: newswire

Bill Number(s):
SF 554 (formerly 368) - Active read Bill
SF 368 - now SF 554 Read Bill