Topic: Broadband

House Democrat Review for 04/10/2008

By Tennessee Democrats | April 11, 2008 |

The House Democrat Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Democratic state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house.

Competitive Cable & Video Services Act Announced: New bill designed to promote a climate of competition

NASHVILLE (April 10) – On Monday, House and Senate Members announced they had reached a compromise between cable television providers and AT&T, and introduced the “Competitive Cable and Video Services Act.”

“In business, for the consumer to win there has to be competition,” said Chairman Charlie Curtis (D-Sparta). “By creating a climate of competition, this new bill will encourage providers to deliver better quality services throughout Tennessee and spur faster development to underserved areas.”

Under the new bill, competitors would be able to obtain a ten-year state franchise certificate from the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) with the requirement that the company must build-out to at least 30% of their existing service area within 3.5 years. Companies would also be required to expand 25% of their total new services to underserved and low-income areas. Failure to meet either of these goals would result substantial financial penalties. «Read the rest of this article»

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House GOP review for 4/10/2008

By Tennessee Republicans | April 11, 2008 |

The House GOP Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Republican state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house

Consensus reached on cable bill

Legislative leaders reached a consensus this week on the much-anticipated “Competitive Cable and Video Services Act.” Legislators held a press conference this week to announce that they had come to an agreement, stating that all parties involved were pleased with the progress that was made, and that consumers would be the real winners of the hard work.

Representatives from the competing cable industries have worked on a compromise with legislative leadership for the past 14 weeks. The bill was put on hold a year ago, with the legislature adjourning before a decision was reached. It passed House Commerce Committee this week, and is now headed to Finance, Ways and Means. Leaders said they believe the passage of the bill will expand competition, jobs, choice for consumers, and investment in Tennessee with broadband infrastructure.

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