WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Federal Communications Commission's ruling that sets new time limits for local governments to act on video franchise applications of new entrants opens the door to more video competition, and that's critical for consumers who not only need an alternative to cable, but need access to true high-speed Internet service, the Communications Workers of America said.
The FCC action requires local authorities to make a determination on requests for video franchises within 90 days. Equally important, it preserves the role of municipalities in ensuring consumer protections, quality service, reasonable build-out requirements and other responsibilities, CWA said.
Telephone companies have been pressing to move into video services but have been stymied in some jurisdictions where lobbying by the cable industry - - the telcos' chief competitor in video -- has sometimes stalled the approval process.
"The FCC's decision will mean a faster build-out of high-speed networks, something that is critical to the economy and future of our country," said CWA President Larry Cohen.
Currently the United States, which invented the Internet, is 16th in the world in terms of providing residents with access to high-speed broadband services. "We have fallen far behind the rest of the world in bringing the promise of the Internet -- telemedicine, education and training and other benefits -- to all communities. As public policy, the U.S. must encourage this build-out, and the FCC's action is a good step in that direction," Cohen said.
In making its determination, the FCC cited continuing increases in cable television prices, noting that the average monthly cable rate grew by 93 percent in less than 10 years. At the same time, the costs of other communications services -- Internet and telephone service -- have been declining, the FCC noted.
CWA represents 700,000 workers in communications and cable, media, public service, health care, airlines and manufacturing.
Communications Workers of America
