Carol Wilson (3.5.07)
http://telephonyonline.com/home/news/FCC_video_rules_030507/
FCC finalized rules to speed up the local franchising process to a 90-day cap with mixed reactions.
The Federal Communications Commission today issued new rules designed to speed up the local video franchising process. The rules set a 90-day limit on the local government’s decision and prohibit extraordinary requests for deployment of hardware or for tying in of unrelated requests.
Major telecoms are excited about the news stating it will provide choices and create competition. FFC chairman Martin claims this increased competition will fight rising cable costs. Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps said the rules failed to promote genuine broadband competition and said he favored a provision which would have retained local franchise authority rights to impose specific build-out requirements and public programming.
Republican Commissioner Robert McDowell said, however, that the new policy seeks to address both sides of the issue. “This order strikes a careful balance between establishing a de-regulatory national framework to clear unnecessary regulatory underbrush, while also preserving local control over local issues,” he said.
The new rules may also face a legal challenge, either from the cable industry or groups representing local governments.
The FCC has agreed to announce within six months whether the 90-day rule will apply to incumbent cable operators that are seeking to renew their local franchises.
Further reading:
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6421729.html?display=Breaking+News
http://telephonyonline.com/home/news/FCC_video_rules_030507/
FCC finalized rules to speed up the local franchising process to a 90-day cap with mixed reactions.
The Federal Communications Commission today issued new rules designed to speed up the local video franchising process. The rules set a 90-day limit on the local government’s decision and prohibit extraordinary requests for deployment of hardware or for tying in of unrelated requests.
Major telecoms are excited about the news stating it will provide choices and create competition. FFC chairman Martin claims this increased competition will fight rising cable costs. Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps said the rules failed to promote genuine broadband competition and said he favored a provision which would have retained local franchise authority rights to impose specific build-out requirements and public programming.
Republican Commissioner Robert McDowell said, however, that the new policy seeks to address both sides of the issue. “This order strikes a careful balance between establishing a de-regulatory national framework to clear unnecessary regulatory underbrush, while also preserving local control over local issues,” he said.
The new rules may also face a legal challenge, either from the cable industry or groups representing local governments.
The FCC has agreed to announce within six months whether the 90-day rule will apply to incumbent cable operators that are seeking to renew their local franchises.
Further reading:
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6421729.html?display=Breaking+News
No comments:
Post a Comment