Why does the cable industry oppose a statewide or national franchise system for telecommunications firms looking to offer video services?
Bypassing local control of video service offerings is not in the best interest of consumers. Only local officials understand local needs and can ensure that providers are meeting those needs, such as requiring video providers to offer service to all areas of a local community. Absent this requirement, new market entrants will avoid the obligations that come with a franchise agreement. Instead, they will only upgrade their systems to include video only in the more affluent neighborhoods and suburbs. Additionally, a state or federal franchise agreement may not include other requirements that are important to the local community, such as specifications for public access, government and educational programming.
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- Why does the cable industry oppose a statewide or national franchise system for telecommunications firms looking to offer video services?
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