Franchise Bill Gets Another Makeover

FRANCHISE BILL GETS ANOTHER MAKEOVER
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
As the House Telecom & Internet Subcommittee amends proposed national video franchising legislation this morning, expect stronger anti-redlining language to help woe Democrats to support the measure. Additional changes could include stronger enforcement power over violations of the FCC's network neutrality principles, which encourage nondiscrimination in the provision of Internet service. The bill could require the FCC to adjudicate complaints within 90 days, up the fine for violations to $500,000 per, and give the FCC additional enforcement authority. The bill also could allow for periodic audits of the national franchisee to make sure they are paying their franchise and PEG (public, educational and government) channel fees. House Telecom Subcommittee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) called the latest incarnation of the bill a Goldilocks solution. Some see the bill as too big, some too small, he said, while he saw it as just right. See latest changes to the bill at the URL below.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6322046?display=Breaking+News

* Rep Barton's statement:
http://energycommerce.house.gov/108/News/04042006_1841.htm

* Lawmakers eye fines for Internet discrimination
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=internetNews&storyID...

* Net neutrality advances on Capitol Hill
http://news.com.com/Net+neutrality+advances+on+Capitol+Hill/2100-1034_3-...

* Local Franchising Fine, Says Cablevision
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
Cablevision said Tuesday that Verizon's latest local franchising deal -- in Hempstead (NY) -- demonstrates that there is no need for a national video franchising law.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6322080?display=Breaking+News