Florida’s Turn for Franchise Reform?

[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Linda Haugsted]
The Florida legislature will begin discussion next week on a bill that would allow competitors into video delivery after they receive a permit from the office of the Secretary of State. No buildout or service-delivery schedule is included in the bill. Cable operators would be held to their current agreements until the competitive company reaches 45% penetration. Regulatory oversight of the new providers would be minimal. For instance, customer-service complaints would be addressed by the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill is being promoted by Verizon Communications, which has already negotiated municipal franchises in the state, and BellSouth Corp. Opponents so far include the incumbent cable industry, the Florida League of Cities, the Florida Association of Counties and the state chapter of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6316058.html?display=Breaking+News
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