Bells' TV Bill Gets New Life
Bells' TV Bill Gets New Life: "A bill that would accelerate SBC (Quote, Chart) and Verizon (Quote, Chart) rollouts of TV-over-fiber service has new life in the Texas Legislature.
The telecom carriers thought the measure was dead when lawmakers adjourned May 31. But Gov. Rick Perry recalled legislators to address school financing and property tax issues.
In Austin, the Senate this week passed telecom legislation that includes language sought by SBC and Verizon. The bill would allow them to apply for a statewide video franchise license rather than negotiate deals with each community, a process that can take between six and 18 months.
The bill, which is opposed by municipalities and cable companies, must still pass the House and be signed by the governor before the special session ends next week.
And lawmakers have said they intend to hammer out school funding and Property-tax legislation before taking up the telecom bill or any other measures.
Verizon spokesman Bob Elek said the Senate's vote is a positive sign, but it's too soon to know what the final version will look like.
'We expect to know more this weekend, likely on Sunday,' Elek told internetnews.com. 'Hopefully, other issues will not derail the progress that has been made -- but ultimately, we won't know until the dust settles.'"
The telecom carriers thought the measure was dead when lawmakers adjourned May 31. But Gov. Rick Perry recalled legislators to address school financing and property tax issues.
In Austin, the Senate this week passed telecom legislation that includes language sought by SBC and Verizon. The bill would allow them to apply for a statewide video franchise license rather than negotiate deals with each community, a process that can take between six and 18 months.
The bill, which is opposed by municipalities and cable companies, must still pass the House and be signed by the governor before the special session ends next week.
And lawmakers have said they intend to hammer out school funding and Property-tax legislation before taking up the telecom bill or any other measures.
Verizon spokesman Bob Elek said the Senate's vote is a positive sign, but it's too soon to know what the final version will look like.
'We expect to know more this weekend, likely on Sunday,' Elek told internetnews.com. 'Hopefully, other issues will not derail the progress that has been made -- but ultimately, we won't know until the dust settles.'"
posted by Unknown at 10:21 AM
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