Florida House of Representatives Passes State-Issued Cable-TV Franchise Bill

Florida House of Representatives Passes State-Issued Cable-TV Franchise Bill

House Bill 1199 Would Simplify Local Franchising While Leaving Important Municipal Protections Intact; Consumer Choice, Competition the Big Winners

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida's House of Representatives today passed House bill 1199, also known as The Consumer Choice Act of 2006, by a 95-21 vote. The bill creates a streamlined and simplified process for cable-TV providers to receive franchises in cities and counties in Florida. It also protects certain provisions for municipalities, including control over rights-of-way; authority over local cable providers; capacity for public, educational and governmental access channels; and support for the same. The following response should be attributed to Alan Ciamporcero, Verizon's Southeast region president.

"Today's vote by the Florida House represents an overwhelming and resounding vote for consumer choice and cable competition in Florida. We are hopeful the Senate will now strike a corresponding chord for consumers by adopting this important measure that keeps Florida at the forefront of technology and progressive policies. Verizon commends Rep. Trey Treviesa and his colleagues for their leadership on this important consumer issue."

Source: Verizon

CONTACT: Bob Elek, +1-813-483-2541, bob.elek@verizon.com

Web site: http://www.verizon.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

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