Texas
In 2005 the Texas legislature was the first in the nation to pass a video franchise reform bill. Senate Bill 5 authorized a state-issued certificate of franchise authority to cable and telecommunications providers. Under the law, current franchisees are bound to the existing agreements until they expire.
A study by The American Consumer Institute examining the influence of the increased cable competition in Texas found that cable customers reported saving an average of $22.30 per month. The same survey uncovered the fact that customers who attempted to switch, but were enticed to stay with the existing cable TV provider, reported saving (on average) $26.83 per month.
Bill:
Senate Bill 5 (now codified in Chapter 66 of the Texas Utilities Code)
Articles:
"IPTV Franchise Bill Signed in Texas" (TVOverNet.com, September 8, 2005)
Study:
"Does Cable Competition Really Work? A Survey of Cable TV Subscribers in Texas," The American Consumer Institute