Time Warner Cable doesn't want to face TV competition in Lincoln, Nebraska

Time Warner Cable has cried foul over a proposed franchise agreement between the city of Lincoln (NE) and Windstream that would force TWC to face competition for TV customers.

TWC lawyer Bill Austin said during a public hearing that the Windstream franchise violates a requirement in Time Warner's franchise agreement that new franchises may not be "more favorable or less burdensome when taken as a whole.” A city attorney disputed Time Warner's argument. The two franchises are comparable, city attorney Steve Huggenberger said, pointing to Windstream obligations to provide public education and government channels and money for public capital needs. A vote is expected on January 5, 2015.