MMA testifies in opposition to cable franchising bill

At a May 18 hearing before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, the MMA joined local cable access providers from across the state to oppose legislation filed by Verizon that would curtail local control over cable franchising.

The MMA and local officials expressed opposition to a 90-day timeframe that the bill would impose on local franchising negotiations.

“By imposing an aggressive and unachievable timeline, the Verizon proposal would remove the ability of cities and towns to safeguard and protect consumer and community needs,” MMA Executive Director Geoff Beckwith stated in written testimony filed with the committee. “This legislation would put the negotiating advantage in the hands of the cable providers and could raise serious legal concerns regarding existing contracts as well.”

Leading the panel of local officials who testified were Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Reading Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, and Mike Lynch, the director of Boston’s Office of Cable, Video and Web Services.

Massachusetts local officials have actively supported cable competition and say the current system works well, resulting in mutually beneficial contracts that serve the needs of communities.

Although Verizon claims that negotiating contracts under the current system is too difficult, the cable provider has successfully implemented 111 such contracts in communities across the state.