California OKs Statewide-Franchise Rules

CALIFORNIA OKs STATEWIDE-FRANCHISE RULES
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Linda Haugsted]
The California Public Utilities Commission approved the rules under which video franchises will be issued on a statewide basis -- an action that was cheered by new providers such as Verizon Communications but derided by consumer groups and municipalities. Cities including Los Angeles asserted that the wording of the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act meant that cities could retain rights to renew pacts with incumbents. But the PUC commissioners rejected that argument, stating that the legislature meant for the state agency to be the sole regulator of video providers. The PUC commissioners also said the agency would only regulate in areas specified under the new state law. Incumbent cable operators with expired franchises may apply for statewide authority Jan. 2, 2008. They can also apply for franchises for areas they don't currently serve. The PUC also clarified that operators with franchises that will expire between now and Jan. 2, 2008, can indicate their intent to seek state franchising, which will trigger an automatic extension of their current operating agreement.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6421022.html?display=Breaking+News

CALIFORNIA, WI-FI STATE
[SOURCE: GigaOM]
[Commentary] California is witnessing an aggressive push by its cities and counties to go Wi-Fi. Article includes a list with links to current projects.
http://gigaom.com/2007/03/02/cali-wi-fi/