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S.B. 117 is supposed to increase competition and improve cable service in Ohio, but S.B. 117 might do the opposite.
The bill was just approved by the Ohio Senate and now moves to the Ohio House.
S.B. 117 would radically alter the way cable companies operate in Ohio. It would create a state franchising system for cable systems and end local agreements with individual companies.
A.T.& T., who proposed this bill, doesn’t want to have to negotiate with scores of municipalities to enter the cable TV business. To promote the bill in Ohio, A.T.& T. sent lobiests to Columbus.
The bill is opposed by the Ohio Municipal League who says the bill would allow cable companies to abandon their franchise agreements, which will reduce money to local municipalities. In the case of Middletown, that amount would be in the $15,000 range in the first year. (Source: Steve Huseman, City Manager)
The Consumers Union, publishers of Consumer Reports, says the bill lacks enforcement ability. The measure specifically says that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Department of Commerce have no authority to regulate the cable industry.
The bill might allow cable companies to choose communities to serve. Some areas could be left without cable service at all.
In summary, SB 117 benefits AT&T more than the consumer. It allows AT&T to enter the cable TV market a a cost much lower than existing cable companies had to pay.
Could this be the end of TV MIddletown?
Additonal Information:
The Truth About Ohio Senate Bill 117 - 4:42pm
Public to lose local cable programming! - SB 117 will not bridge the digital ... Allows for the redlining of services thus denying cable TV, internet and ...www.datv.org/ - 41k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
Meet the Bloggers » Ohio Senate Bill 117: Cable franchises - 4:43pm
I just finished a Meet the Bloggers session discussing Ohio Senate Bill 117. You’ve probably heard some radio ads spouting about how good this measure will ...www.meetthebloggers.net/2007/04/20/ohio-senate-bill-117-cable-franchises/ - 67k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
Ohio Senate passes measure to let cable providers bargain with state - 4:44pm
Bill's supporters say it will create competition in cable TV industry, ... Senate bill 117 would permit companies that want to enter the cable market to ...www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/10/ddn051007cable.html - 33k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
Free Press : Don't Mess Up Cable TV - 4:45pm
Don’t Mess Up Cable TV. We’re all for competition and improving cable service in Ohio, but S.B. 117 wouldn’t benefit consumers, just AT&T. ...www.freepress.net/news/23140 - 20k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
Laws, Acts, and Legislation
SB 117 As Passed by Senate ... or cable television companies as defined in division (B) of section 505.90 of the Revised Code to the extent that it requires ...www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=127_SB_117 - 72k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
OH: SB 117: An email to my State Representative | Save Access
SB 117 is sometimes described as transferring cable franchise negotiation from local ... Community Television Network · Tampa Educational Cable Consortium ...www.saveaccess.org/node/1211 - 26k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this
OH: SB 117 cruises through Senate; 11 of 12 Democrats vote to ...
OH: SB 117 cruises through Senate; 11 of 12 Democrats vote to legalize digital ... Community Television Network · Tampa Educational Cable Consortium ...www.saveaccess.org/node/1212 - 26k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this[ More results from www.saveaccess.org ]
Bytes From Lev: More on Ohio Senate Bill 117 --
S.B. 117 strips the City of its authority to ensure that all its residents enjoy the benefits of competition in cable television and other advanced ...blog.case.edu/lev.gonick/2007/04/22/more_on_ohio_senate_bill_117 - 23k -
