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New cable bill undermines local leverage { April 27 2006 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://www.theunion.com/article/20060427/NEWS/104270155 http://www.theunion.com/article/20060427/NEWS/104270155 Controversial bill passes House committee By Josh Singer Staff writer, joshs@theunion.com April 27, 2006 Federal legislation similar to the California bill that gives the state government authority over cable contracts currently negotiated locally was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday. The federal legislation, called the "Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006," passed by a 42-12 margin in the House committee. The bill proposes to create a federal franchise for telecommunications companies. Joe Barton, R-Texas, co-sponsor of the legislation, said in a statement, "The 1996 Telecommunications Act propelled us to where we are today, but technology and the markets have once again transformed the communications industry," regarding the need for a new bill. The bill will give consumers more choice by increasing competition in the industry, said Barton's spokesman Terry Lane. Local officials have sent letters to state officials opposing the state bill, AB 2987, saying the present language of the legislation undermines local leverage in negotiations with telecommunications companies, creates a new bureaucracy at the state level, negatively impacts Nevada County Television and does not benefit residents in rural areas where the market is less desirable. Cable companies are also protesting the state legislation in its current form, saying the bill doesn't protect their interests or residents in rural areas. "AT&T and SBC could choose anywhere in the state they want to serve," said Dennis Mangers, President of the California Cable and Television Association. The federal legislation might also leave local residents without the same benefits that are going to those in urban areas, said Lane. "The bill does not require telephone companies to deploy (services) anywhere," he said, adding, however, that "there's certainly business to be done (in rural areas)." The federal bill will likely go before the full U.S. House this spring, said Lane. The state bill will likely be voted on in two weeks, said District 3 Assemblyman Rick Keene, who voted in favor of it.< To reach staff writer Josh Singer, e-mail joshs@theunion.com or call 477-4234.

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