|
For Immediate
Release
6/6/06
CONTACT:
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Legislators to
Push for "Cable Choice & Competition Act"
Measure Would
Reduce High Cable Rates, Improve Quality
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania
residents would see lower cable rates, better service and faster deployment of
the latest technologies under legislation that was unveiled today by Senator
Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senator Anthony Williams (D-8).
They were
joined at a state Capitol news conference by a number of organizations, who
voiced their support for the "Cable Choice and Competition Act," including the
American Consumer Institute, the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, and
the US Internet Industry Association.
The legislation
would add Pennsylvania to more than a dozen states that have or are considering
opening markets for video services to competition. Other states that have
already offered customers such a choice have seen major reductions in cable
rates.
"We need to
update and consolidate Pennsylvania's outdated municipal cable franchise laws
and encourage competition," Pileggi said. "The winners will be Pennsylvania
consumers, who will be able to choose their cable company the same way they
choose their telephone company. And they can make that choice based on cost and
quality."
"A significant
portion of the people I represent are working folks and seniors on fixed
incomes. They deserve the ability to benefit from video services like everybody
else, but the rates are expensive and rising," added Williams. "Competition has
worked in almost every other aspect of utilities here. In a state where we have
choice in many areas such as electricity and telecommunications, we should have
it in this area as well."
Pileggi said
the "Cable Choice and Competition Act" would accelerate the ability of
Pennsylvania's consumers to make their own choices regarding cable television by
authorizing franchise certificates to be issued at the state level. Currently,
anyone seeking to compete with existing cable operators must negotiate with each
and every municipality in the Commonwealth for access.
Willams added
that competition would also help to spur the delivery of faster, more
economical, broadband services to residents and promote e-commerce and economic
development efforts. In addition, as prices fall, more Pennsylvania consumers
will be able to afford both video and high speed Internet services.
Click Here for Bill
Summary, Charts, Statements, Audio, Video
At a June 6 Capitol news conference, Sen.
Dominic Pileggi (R-9) introduces the
"Cable Choice and Competition Act," which would add Pennsylvania to more than a
dozen states that have or are considering opening markets for video services to
competition.
 
 Print this page
 E-mail
this page
|
