The Massachusetts Cable Choice and Competition Act will accelerate cable competition in Massachusetts.  It will allow video providers such as Verizon to apply to the Department of Telecommunications and Energy 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 our customers and for local governments.  It preserves many local benefits, including franchise fees paid to municipalities, financial support for public, educational, and government channels, and free cable service at municipal buildings.  Municipalities also retain full authority over their rights-of-way.  In addition to streamlining the process for new competitors, the bill will enable current cable providers to apply for licenses to expand their reach by entering new markets.

This legislation is good for the Commonwealth.  It will enable 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 many more Massachusetts communities.  It also will spur innovation, provides incentives to increase investment and help retain and create jobs in Massachusetts.

Last year, more than 900 people sent nearly 10,000 e-mails to their representatives on Beacon Hill asking them to support the Cable Choice Act.

And hundreds of supporters turned out for a State House hearing on June 5th, 2007 in support of the Cable Choice and Competition Act.

Unfortunately, no further action was taken before the legislature closed its 2007 agenda.