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Background Information:
Representative Anthony Traviesa and Senator Mike Bennett introduced the original bills that streamline the way companies obtain cable television franchises. New competitors like AT&T, Embarq, and Verizon can now offer competing cable TV service to more communities, faster.
The Consumer Choice Act of 2007 (HB 529 and SB 998) allows new cable TV providers to apply to the Department of State for permission to offer cable TV service, rather than negotiate a license with each individual town - a lengthy process that delays competition.
This bill is a win for consumers and for local governments. Not only does it give you cable TV choice sooner, it also preserves many benefits important to local governments, including franchise fees paid to municipalities, financial support for public, educational, and government channels, and free cable service at municipal buildings.
And this legislation is good for Florida. It gives Verizon, which continues to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into our advanced fiber optic network, as well as other providers, the ability to expand technology investment to consumers in more communities in the Sunshine State. It also will spur innovation and entrepreneurship, as expanded fiber optic networks help increase business investment and create jobs in Florida.
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