SBC’s Turn for Texas Franchise

SBC Communications has filed for a state franchise in Texas to become a video-service provider, designating 21 communities in and around San Antonio where it would like to deliver service. The new state franchising format allows potential competitors to file as either cable- or video-services providers. SBC has always asserted that its planned Internet-protocol-delivered video product, branded Project Lightspeed, is not a cable service under federal definitions and, therefore, does not need a cable franchise. But in Texas, it is allowed to file for authority as a video-service provider. SBC's targeted service territory, identified in the Oct. 10 filing, includes San Antonio and regional neighbors Alamo Heights, Balcones Heights, China Grove, Cibolo, Converse, Garden Ridge, Hill Country Village, Hollywood Park, Kirby, Leon Valley, Live Oak, Olmos Park, Schertz, Selma, Shavano Park, Terrell Hills, Timberwood Park, Windcrest and Universal City. Service in those areas will be limited to commercial and technical feasibility and/or access to property, according to the filing.
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Linda Haugsted]
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6268930.html?display=Breaking+News
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* Following trend, SBC asks for state video permit
[SOURCE: Dallas Morning News, AUTHOR: Terry Maxson]
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-sbcfranchise_11bus.ART.State.Edition2.e776062.html
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