TIA Backs Telecom Reform Legislation's Framework

[SOURCE: Telecommunications Online, AUTHOR: Bob Wallace]
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has sent a letter to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R- Alaska) and Co-Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) in support of the market- driven, deregulatory framework set forth in S. 1504, the Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act, a bill introduced by Senator John Ensign (R-NV). In the letter, TIA says it "supports S. 1504's national video service franchise reform provision that maximizes competition between incumbent video service providers and new entrants and will create regulatory parity among the competing platforms." The TIA's letter speaks of the much-discussed need to maintain franchising revenues from local authorities, who at first blush would not seem to benefit from competition in their markets as it would drive down prices - and fees based on revenues. "By preserving video service revenues and rights of way management for state and local authorities, the provision ensures that localities that have to come to rely on video service franchise fees and management of local rights-of-way will be protected," said TIA President Matthew Flanigan, in the letter. The TIA does not, however, support all aspects of the bill. "To be clear, while TIA supports the market-driven, deregulatory framework of S. 1504, there are certain provisions in the bill that TIA does not support as they are currently drafted. For example, TIA does not support the bill's provision curtailing the ability of municipalities to deploy broadband networks."
http://www.telecommagazine.com/newsglobe/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_1745
See TIA letter: http://www.tiaonline.org/business/media/press_releases/2006/PR06-13.cfm