A listing of articles in the news
Huntsville families, who will already be worried about their children’s increasing school expenses, will be further burdened with an increase in cable bills byComcast ( News - Alert). Starting August 1, Comcast will raise its monthly charges up to $2.75 for basic cable service and as much as $4.00 for digital packages.
» TMCnet | August 06, 2008
ARLINGTON, VA--TV4US Executive Director Lizanne Sadlier released the following statement regarding cable’s poor showing in Q1 2008 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), compiled by the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business
» Press Release | July 25, 2008
Video competition has arrived in Connecticut! New providers have begun to offer innovative video services and technologies to local consumers. According to one new provider, at least 80
cities and towns have a competitive alternative to the local cable company.
» Newsletter | June 12, 2008
TV4US Spokesman Randy Hayden issued the following statement today regarding the House of Representatives’ passage of Senate Bill 807, the Consumer Choice for Television Act.
» Press Release | June 11, 2008
NASHVILLE, TN--TV4US Director Scott Greenberger released the following statement after Governor Phil Bredesen signed into law the Competitive Cable and Video Services Act.
» Press Release | June 04, 2008
A recent survey of Louisiana consumers found that 72 percent of voters believe the price of cable is too high. Indeed, many people across Louisiana are finding it more difficult each year to pay their cable bills and make ends meet.
» Houma Courier | May 27, 2008
Randy Hayden of TV4US Louisiana appears on WRKF radio in Baton Rouge to discuss cable competition.
» radio clip | May 23, 2008
On Monday, the House of Representative overwhelmingly passed a bill that would allow cable and Internet providers to enter into statewide franchise rights.
» Upper Cumberland Daily News | May 01, 2008
It looks like state legislators, after months of closed-door negotiations with cable TV companies, have carved out a compromise bill on cable TV franchising that may have a chance of passage with support from all sides. It hasn’t been easy. AT&T has been pushing for the right to franchise statewide without having to get hundreds of local permits like it would now.
» The Mountain Press | April 10, 2008
Indiana is on a roll. Just two years since the state passed reform legislation allowing competitors to challenge cable’s long-held monopoly; the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has granted 49 certificates of franchise authority and broadband access has exploded, spurring economic growth throughout the state. But while progress marches forward in Indiana, Comcast is stubbornly standing still, refusing to change anything but its rates.
» Fort Wayne News Sentinel | March 26, 2008
Cox customers in Louisiana will now have to pay more for standard and digital services as Cox Communications has again raised its rates.
» TMCNet.com | March 26, 2008
January is ripe for New Year traditions — personal resolutions, college football games and the New Year’s Eve singing of Auld Lang Syne (literally old long since.) However, there is one New Year tradition that Floridians could readily do without — the annual cable rate increase from Comcast.
» Sun Sentinel | January 22, 2008
Governor Jim Doyle today signed Assembly Bill 207, legislation that will provide Wisconsin consumers with more cable service choices. The Governor also preserved protections for cable customers through several vetoes.
» Governor's Office | December 21, 2007
Happy new year, local Comcast customers: Your cable bills are going up.
Starting in the first week of January, monthly bills will increase $2.60 for subscribers to Comcast’s basic cable service, taking them to $50.59 a month from $47.99, spokesman Reg Griffin said Monday.
» Palm Beach Post | December 18, 2007
Tennesseans will get a disappointing surprise with their holiday cards this
month – notice of a cable rate increase that will take effect on January 1, 2008. Cable rates are
expected to go up by about 5% across Tennessee.
» press release | December 04, 2007
Comcast cable TV customers will start off the new year by paying an average of $2.51 a month more for service.
» Chattanooga Free Press | November 30, 2007
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted a Report and Order (Order) banning the use of exclusivity clauses for the provision of video services to multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) or other real estate developments. The Order finds that nearly 30% of Americans live in MDUs and these numbers are growing
» FCC | October 31, 2007
TV4US applauds the FCC for its decision today to put an end to exclusive contracts between cable companies and the owners of apartment buildings, which have led to skyrocketing prices and lackluster customer service for residents. The FCC’s move is an acknowledgment of the many benefits that competition brings to consumers.
» press release | October 31, 2007
Apartment residents could be paying lower cable television bills if federal regulators ban exclusive contracts between cable providers and property owners.
» Columbus Dispatch | October 31, 2007
Earlier this year we editorialized against an AT&T effort seeking state legislation which in effect would permit it to deal at the state level instead of with each local government in providing competitive cable and related service.
» Daily Times | October 30, 2007
As long as Tennessee legislators focus on what’s best for consumers, they will be on the right track if and when a renewed battle between AT&T and cable operators erupts next year.
» Dickson Herald | October 25, 2007
Consumers in Tennessee recognize the need for video-franchise reform and are fed up with the current system that has limited competition and forced them to endure rising cable rates.
» Dickson Herald | October 25, 2007
As a Superior Court judge in Hartford prepares to convene a hearing Friday in the battle over AT&T’s U-verse, the television service got a strong showing of support Tuesday.
» Republican - American | October 24, 2007
Just three months ago Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a new law intended to boost competition in the state’s television-service market, excited by the prospect that it would expand customer options, lower prices and create jobs.
» theday.com | October 22, 2007
But in the strange world of Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a Department of Public Utility Control decision that threatens to shut down AT&T’s $336 million, three-year investment in Connecticut, and eliminate 1,300 current and future jobs, is “a landmark victory for consumers.”
» Waterbury Republican-American | October 19, 2007
For far too many years, one company has had a stranglehold on TV cable service in my area. Along comes AT&T with fuller service at much lower cost and it is being told to cease and desist
» Hartford Courant | October 19, 2007
Over the objections of the cable TV industry and consumer advocates, Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill designed to promote competition in pay television services that also increases a tax on cable and satellite service and reduces some consumer protections.
» Hartford Courant | October 17, 2007
Today, the Department of Public Utility Control ruled against AT&T’s application to provide a competitive video service in Connecticut. TV4US Connecticut, a chapter of a national advocacy coalition that advocates on behalf of customers to provide new choices, better service and lower costs in their television service, stated that the decision is bad for Connecticut consumers.
» press release | October 16, 2007
“After near unanimous support in the Ohio State Senate and House, Governor Strickland signed the Ohio Video Competition Act (SB 117) into law today. On behalf of the nearly 50,000 members of TV4US Ohio, we are delighted to see real cable competition brought to Ohio consumers.
» press release | June 25, 2007
Today the Illinois State Senate unanimously passed legislation giving Illinois consumers a real choice in video providers.
» press release | June 25, 2007
“TV4US is extremely disappointed the Tennessee legislature will not take up the Competitive Cable and Video Services Act (SB 1933; HB 1421 this session.
» press release | May 24, 2007
Following a decisive victory in the Ohio Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Tuesday, the Ohio Video Competition Act (SB 117) has passed the full Senate and is now on its way to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.
» press release | May 09, 2007
A nonprofit group that represents AT&T delivered more than 14,000 postcards from Tennesseans to their legislators Monday that voiced support for a bill the telecommunications giant says is necessary to compete against cable companies like Comcast for television customers.
» The City Paper | April 04, 2007
Quotes from those in attendance at the press conference.
» press release | April 03, 2007
Tennessee consumers and TV4US today asked the Tennessee General Assembly to help bring real competition to Tennessee’s cable market by passing the Competitive Cable and Video Services Act (SB1933/HB1421).
» press release | April 03, 2007
The group says cable costs are up 51% in Chattanooga in the last seven years. It wasn’t hard to find folks who say they’re paying too much.
» WRCB TV | March 05, 2007
– A new Florida-based consumer coalition today applauded the efforts of lawmakers for introducing legislation that aims to bring consumer choice into the state’s video markets. Members of TV4US Florida showed their support for HB 529 by joining bill sponsor Representative Trey Traviesa (R – Tampa) - the champion of this bill for the past two years. The coalition joined Rep. Traviesa and Senate sponsor Mike Bennett (R – Bradenton) at a press conference at the state Capitol today.
» press release | February 21, 2007
Telephone companies and cable companies are about to square off in Tennessee over the right to provide cable television service across the state.
» The City Paper | February 14, 2007
Wednesday, the Consumer Choice for Television Act (HB 227) was introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives.
» Press Release | February 02, 2007
Thursday, Granholm announced she signed legislation designed to increase competition in Michigan’s cable TV system.
» Lansing State Journal | December 26, 2006
Today, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed into law the Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act (HB 6456).
» press release | December 21, 2006
Today, TV4US and more than 21,000 consumers across Michigan asked Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) to help bring real competition to Michigan’s cable market by signing House Bill 6456 – the Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act.
» press release | December 19, 2006
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill on Friday creating a single statewide market for cable television by eliminating city-by-city franchises, opening the market to competition from telephone companies.
» Boston Globe | October 03, 2006
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two sweeping consumer bills Friday that seek to cut the cost of prescription drugs and cable television service for millions of Californians, embracing key issues championed by Democratic lawmakers.
» Los Angeles Times | October 03, 2006
Cable TV and phone companies say they are looking at new opportunities to sell TV service in California as legislation to make it easier to do so is on its way to becoming state law.
» San Diego Union-Tribune | September 05, 2006
State lawmakers this week wrapped up their most productive legislative sessions in years, passing legislation to combat global warming, fund public works projects, lower prescription drug costs and raise the minimum wage—and handing victories to a political odd couple: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and organized labor.
» San Francisco Chronicle | September 05, 2006
The word “dysfunctional” is one of the more well-worn clichés used to describe the California Legislature. Checking our archive, I found The Bee, all by itself, has published at least 126 articles in three years that use the word “dysfunctional” in association with our august body of legislators.
» Sacramento Bee | September 05, 2006
Unlike banks, grocery stores, car dealerships and restaurants, cable television companies rarely have competition. More than 25 years after cable television became popular, most communities have just one cable provider.
» The Daily Times | August 30, 2006
Congress is trying to put a lid on a resource that drives Iowa’s economy, delivers learning opportunities to children, brings world-class health care to remote clinics and ensures consumers everywhere have access to the latest technologies. That resource is rural telecommunications companies and its networks.
» Des Moines Register | August 23, 2006
As the debate continues over telecommunications reform in the U.S. Senate, legislators in Washington would be wise to consider the experience of states that have undergone such reform already.
» Indianapolis Star | August 23, 2006
Another key California State Senate committee has approved a proposed statewide video-franchise measure, positioning the bill to be sent to the full body for a vote within two weeks or so.
» TelecomWeb | August 23, 2006
Amid promises of lower prices and more competition, California lawmakers have uncovered a complex web of interconnected issues that must be settled before television viewers can be offered new opportunities to shop among providers.
» San Diego Union Tribune | June 30, 2006
Today, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committee voted on the Communications, Consumers’ Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006.
» Press Release | June 28, 2006
Study Shows That Video Competition can Save Consumers Money.
» Press Release | June 21, 2006
Legislation to open cable TV markets to more competition, possibly saving consumers hundreds of dollars a year, passed the House Thursday.
» Houston Chronicle | June 08, 2006
Tonight the House of Representatives’ overwhelmingly bi-partisan vote on the video franchising bill was a vote for consumers.
» Press Release | June 08, 2006
Legislation hailed as a way to give Californians lower prices and more choice in cable television services was approved overwhelmingly Wednesday night by the state Assembly.
» Sacramento Bee | June 08, 2006
In an effort to give consumers more television viewing choices, the Assembly on Wednesday voted to open the cable business to telephone companies.
» San Fransisco Gate | June 08, 2006
On May 18th, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committee is conducting hearings on the Communications, Consumers’ Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006.
» Press Release | May 18, 2006
A study by a former Clinton official shows that technology spreads through competition and technological advances.
» Press Release | May 11, 2006
AT&T Inc. promised Monday to reach more than 5.5 million low-income households in the initial three-year rollout of its new Lightspeed video programming. By the end of 2008, AT&T expects to invest about $4.4 billion in Lightspeed and reach 18 million households.
» Dallas Morning News | May 09, 2006
Editorial: The Pressure on California AB 2987 from all sides is enormous and explains why the speaker has asked for a timeout on the bill’s progress. But the essentials are plain to see: Competition could help add choice and drive down rates for pay TV.
» San Francisco Chronicle | May 04, 2006
Florida House lawmakers passed a compromise bill Wednesday that would revamp the way cable licenses are issued in hopes of ushering in competition.
» Miami Herald | May 04, 2006
The Florida House passed the Consumer Choice Act of 2006 (HB 1199) Wednesday, put state consumers one step closer to getting cable television service from phone companies.
» Palm Beach Post | May 04, 2006
Three leading telecommunications experts said today at a New Millennium Research Council (NMRC) panel that expanded competition for cable/video services could save consumers $22 million a day, as well as deliver a wide range of other social and economic benefits for individuals and the communities in which they live.
» Legit Reviews | May 03, 2006
House Panel’s Approval of Video Franchising Bill a “Huge Victory” for TV Choice
Millions of cable television viewers across the country are a step closer to receiving better service at lower prices thanks to the national video franchising bill the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved today by a vote of 42 to 12.
» TV4US Press Release | April 26, 2006
The California Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee passed a hotly contested bill Monday that seeks to allow telecommunications giants AT&T and Verizon to compete with cable operators for television service.
» San Francisco Chronicle | April 25, 2006
Editorial: Local governments should have control of issues such as digging up streets and blocking traffic to install new phone lines or cable lines. Other than that, federal law should control how television, phone calls and the Internet are delivered on cable lines, phone lines or any other new technology.
» Detroit News | April 18, 2006
As phone companies expand Internet-based television in Metro Detroit, Comcast is expected to discount prices and hire 400 workers.
» Detroit News | April 17, 2006
Editorial: Monopolies aren’t supposed to exist in this country. That’s why state lawmakers ought to approve S-192, a bill that would allow Verizon to offer cable statewide through existing telephone lines.
» Courier-Post | April 08, 2006
Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez unveiled hotly contested legislation Thursday that he says will give Californians lower cable television prices and more choice.
» Sacramento Bee | April 07, 2006
As they plan to roll out television service rivaling cable, California’sphone companies are pushing to change the rules on pay TV — taking control away from cities and counties and giving it to state officials.
» Los Angeles Times | April 07, 2006
Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez introduced legislation Thursday designed to give Californians more choice in their television entertainment and Internet services. The bill would allow telephone companies to compete with cable companies by offering subscribers a ‘’triple play’’ package—telephone, Internet and video.
» Associated Press | April 07, 2006
Editorial: When telephone companies upgrade their aging networks so they can deliver super-fast Internet access and television-quality video, consumers stand to benefit.
» San Jose Mercury | April 07, 2006
Yesterday, the U.S. House Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a mark-up session on a bill that would reform the approval process required for companies to offer video services, such as cable television, to consumers. The subcommittee approved this reform by a vote of 27 to 4.
The following statement may be attributed to Charlie Black and Steve Ricchetti, chairman of the TV4US Coalition:
“This hearing is a vital step forward in the effort to bring new choices to TV viewers. What’s particularly notable is the broad bipartisan support shown by legislators who grasp the driving forces behind this issue - how a decades-old regulatory structure is reducing competition and keeping cable prices artificially high.
“Texas, Indiana and Virginia have recently taken important steps toward reform and Kansas is on the verge of it. So at the state level, the momentum clearly favors reform.
“But given the Internet’s inherent global reach and the urgent need to spur broadband deployment, state efforts by themselves are not enough. The federal government must establish a climate that promotes choice and competition for video services—and this bill does exactly that.
“Chairmen Barton and Upton and all the bipartisan supporters of this bill deserve the thanks of consumers who will see better prices and more choice if this bill becomes law.”
TV4US members include AT&T; the National Association of Manufacturers, the nation’s largest industrial trade association; more than a dozen telecom manufacturing companies and nearly a dozen prominent nonprofit organizations.
» Coalition Press Release | April 06, 2006
A House subcommittee voted to advance the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006, that would make it easier for phone companies to deliver television service over the Internet. The bill will be sent to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
» San Francisco Chronicle | April 06, 2006
The House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet voted 27-4 to allow companies to apply for a nationwide license to offer video service, instead of the current process in which they must negotiate with thousands of cities for individual licenses.
» New York Times | April 06, 2006
A top California lawmaker said on Thursday he is introducing a bill that would overhaul the state’s cable-television market by doing away with city-by-city franchises. Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez said his bill would provide for greater choice for consumers by creating a single statewide cable-TV market regulated by the state’s Department of Corporations.
» Reuters | April 06, 2006
In a long-awaited bid to jump start the widespread deployment of broadband technology, state legislative leaders on Thursday unveiled a proposal to allow phone companies to get statewide franchises for broadband service and remove the power of local governments to grant lucrative cable television franchises.
» Los Angeles Business Journal | April 06, 2006
California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez announced legislation Thursday aimed at speeding up cable competition by allowing telephone companies to get state franchises for Internet Protocol TV. he next step is for the measure to be considered in the legislative process.
» Contra Costa Times | April 06, 2006
The House Commerce Committee will vote this week on a bill that would allow cable-television operators to be franchised at the national level. The Barton bill would significantly reform cable television rules, knocking down barriers to entry that today block competition, but would also grant the FCC authority to regulate the Internet.
» The Heritage Foundation | April 03, 2006
A Florida House panel Thursday cleared a bill that would make it easier for telephone companies to sell television service — and allow cable TV companies to get out of the franchise agreements they strike with local governments.
» Palm Beach Post | March 31, 2006
Op-Ed: A high-speed array of new technologies promises to bring lively competition, better service and better value to North Carolina residents—If we can move past an arduous, archaic, municipality-by-municipality franchise process.
» Charlotte News & Observer | March 31, 2006
A battle is underway in California between AT&T, which is trying to install a new TV service that runs over the Internet, and Comcast, one of the dominant cable providers in the state. AT&T is pushing for a new California law that would will allow statewide franchise agreements instead of local ones.
» San Jose Mercury News | March 31, 2006
A Senate bill that will change the way cable television systems are franchised — and have a huge financial effect on community access television — has met the approval of Senate and House negotiators and appears destined to become Kansas law.
» Salina Journal | March 30, 2006
Senate and House negotiators reached agreement Tuesday on a bill that would increase cable television competition in Kansas and potentially reduce prices for consumers. Final passage is expected before lawmakers end their regular session Friday and return for a short wrap-up session April 26.
» Kansas City Star | March 29, 2006
Op-Ed: Competition may be good family policy as well as good economic policy. It would be far better simply to eliminate franchise requirements cleanly, and across the board, without additional new regulations.
» The Washington Times | March 29, 2006
Last week in Las Vegas, representatives from Lucent Technologies and Princeton-based satellite operator SES Americom were among the exhibitors at the Telecom Next convention showcasing their contributions to the development of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).
» NJBIZ | March 27, 2006
Sen. John Ensign: The Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act is about bringing free-market forces to bear so consumers can choose the best products at the best prices.
» The Heritage Foundation | March 27, 2006
Op-Ed: The Florida Legislature is considering a proposal this year the cable industry just hates. Which means it’s probably a good thing.
» Daytona Beach News | March 21, 2006
Op-Ed: Cable and Internet costs would come down if we’d just get modern and institute a competitive system.
» Albuquerque Tribune | March 21, 2006
The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) has come out in support of bills in the Michigan House and Senate that would create a telco-friendly statewide video franchise.
» The Business of TV | March 21, 2006
Op-Ed: Competition is good for the economy. Cable has enjoyed a monopoly for far too long. We’re thrilled to see the prospect of competition coming to the industry.
» Philadelphia Times Herald | March 21, 2006
Op-Ed: About a month ago, a bi-partisan group of senators released a statement supporting cable franchise reform. At this rate, consumers might actually see national reform that will slash cable bills and make vide service more innovative and interesting
» TechNewsWorld | March 17, 2006
Former Congressman Dick Armey (TX) spoke to three dozen Missourians about the need for more competition in cable television services - even as the state Legislature considers a law allowing telephone providers like AT&T to add video distribution to their services.
» News Tribune | March 15, 2006
Key House lawmakers agreed in principle to award a national cable franchise to phone companies and to subject cable operators to continued local franchising requirements until phone rivals have reached 15% local-video-market penetration, industry and Capitol Hill aides said Thursday morning.
» Multichannel News | March 09, 2006
Indiana’s General Assembly has become the second in the nation to approve a statewide video franchising process. Supporters of the measure say it will spur economic development by attracting telephone company investment in Indiana.
» Telephony Online | March 02, 2006
Nearly half of European and US consumers do not understand what Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is, but the market for the services IPTV can provide is substantial in each country.
» Accenture Survey | March 02, 2006
Op-Ed: Michigan’s cable television regulatory environment is overdue for change. A universal right-of-way fee structure combined with local regulations would protect community assets and allow competition to set prices.
» Detroit News | February 26, 2006
Op-Ed: The biggest winners in a competitive television cable market will be consumers. Policymakers need to take steps now to speed market entry into the cable TV market and save consumers billions of dollars.
» Lansing State Journal | February 26, 2006
According to an AP poll of approximately 1000 U.S. adults, sixty-five percent of people would be interested in buying TV service from a phone company.
» Mercury News | February 23, 2006
For consumers in Hamburg and Orchard Park, NY, the next round of competition for TV service is just around the corner. Verizon will become a formidable new competitor for cable television and satellite TV providers.
» Buffalo News | February 21, 2006
Op-Ed: Telecom companies are ready to bring advanced TV services to their doors, as soon as Congress updates telecom laws. This will be a tough issue for cable to win.
» IP Democracy | February 17, 2006
AT&T will roll out IPTV in the Bay Area, possibly as early as this year, leading to more competition and lower prices. AT&T plans to have IPTV in as many as 3 million homes this year, with the goal of reaching 18 million homes by 2008.
» San Francisco Chronicle | February 06, 2006
As phone companies battle to once again become that all-in-one provider, the Indiana General Assembly will consider whether to deregulate the state’s traditional telephone companies. Companies say the competition will lower prices; consumer groups are not so sure.
» The Indianapolis Star | January 08, 2006