Franchise Agreement Controversy
Today, Kansas Video Competition Act, SB 449, is expected to come out of committee.
http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2006/449.pdf
Although this bill provides franchise agreement reform which on its surface would foster quicker competition in the video industry, it does not do so fairly. It creates two classes of regulations, one that would allow telecom giants like AT&T to negotiate with the state and one that requires incumbent cable companies to continue to negotiate with each local government.
These unequal regulations would allow AT&T to cherry pick the markets it serves by only providing access to the most profitable customers, leaving low income and rural customers out in the cold. In addition, by excluding local governments from the negotiations we would lose public access and educational channels like those offered by local community colleges for distance learning.
For those of you on the Missouri side, this debate is also raging. SB 816 does exactly the same thing in Missouri.
If you care about real telecom reform, one that would begin treating all these incumbent giants equally, then make your voice heard. Contact your state senators today and urge them to vote 'NO' on SB 449 and SB 816. And contact your federal representatives who are currently considering these same issues and let them know how you feel.
Have fun,
j
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