Fergie's Tech Blog

FCC Releases Rules for Telco TV Relief

Anne Broache writes on the C|Net Politics Blog:

Telephone companies rejoiced on Monday as federal regulators released the full text of rules adopted last December designed to ease those firms' efforts to enter the TV market.

The Federal Communications Commission's order [.pdf] is aimed at preventing municipalities from imposing "unreasonable" barriers when they negotiate video franchises with telephone companies. Originally adopted by a 3-2 vote, the commission's two Democrats, joined by some consumer groups and Democrats in Congress, have objected to the rules' approach and questioned their necessity.

Among other things, the rules would require local governments to approve franchise agreements within six months for completely new entrants and within 90 days for companies with existing access to city facilities. They also seek to limit franchise fees.

posted by Fergie @ 3/05/2007 03:28:00 PM