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Cable Choice and Competition Act
We need your help with an issue that’s critical to consumers in Massachusetts.
State lawmakers recently filed the Cable Choice and Competition Act, which would accelerate cable competition in the Commonwealth by allowing cable TV providers to apply to the state Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) for permission to offer cable TV service. If passed, this Act will speed up cable competition and bring more choice to consumers in the Commonwealth.
If you are interested in benefitting from more cable competition and choice, please send a letter of support to state legislators to ask them to support the Cable Choice and Competition Act. A sample letter is provided below for your convenience. If you have any questions, please contact Kate Killory at kate.killory@verizon.com.
Thank you!
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Please support cable choice and competition
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
As a cable consumer, I am writing to ask you to support the Cable Choice and Competition Act.
This legislation will encourage economic growth - while providing consumers with more value for cable TV service.
Ten other states have streamlined their cable franchise rules. I am very concerned that without this legislation, Massachusetts will fall behind due to antiquated permitting rules. We must encourage companies to invest in our infrastructure to keep up with the pace of technology innovation. With such a complex and time consuming local licensing process, the benefits of competition and investment are unnecessarily delayed.
It's time that we did more to encourage companies to invest in our state while helping consumers. Verizon has taken the lead in investing in the technology infrastructure that improves the way we live and work - we should be doing all we can to open the doors for this investment and broadband infrastructure.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
March 26, 2007
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The Massachusetts Cable Choice and Competition Act will accelerate cable competition in Massachusetts. It will allow video providers such as Verizon to apply to the Department of Telecommunications and Energy for permission to offer cable TV service, rather than negotiate a license with each individual town - a lengthy process that delays competition.
This bill is a win for our customers and for local governments. It preserves many local benefits, including franchise fees paid to municipalities, financial support for public, educational, and government channels, and free cable service at municipal buildings. Municipalities also retain full authority over their rights-of-way. In addition to streamlining the process for new competitors, the bill will enable current cable providers to apply for licenses to expand their reach by entering new markets.
This legislation is good for the Commonwealth. It will enable Verizon, which continues to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into our advanced fiber optic network, as well as other providers, the ability to expand technology investment to consumers in many more Massachusetts communities. It also will spur innovation, provides incentives to increase investment and help retain and create jobs in Massachusetts.
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