Sen. Stevens sees tough road for deal on video law

[SOURCE: Reuters, AUTHOR: Jeremy Pelofsky]
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens on Wednesday acknowledged difficulties reaching agreement among lawmakers for legislation that would help telephone carriers more quickly enter the subscription television business. Republicans and Democrats agree that the current system -- which requires providers to negotiate with local authorities for the license -- needs changing. But they argue over how to protect some control by local authorities. Stevens said after the hearing he expected franchise legislation would be wrapped together with a broader bill to reform U.S. telecommunications laws. Analysts have expressed strong doubts that legislation could pass this year.
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=technologyNews&story...

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