Massachusetts Homeowners a Step Closer to Saving Millions of Dollars a Year on Cable Television

Massachusetts Homeowners a Step Closer to Saving Millions of Dollars a Year on Cable Television

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Massachusetts homeowners are one step closer to saving millions of dollars a year on cable television service, thanks to the introduction of the Massachusetts Cable Choice and Competition Act, according to a national homeowners advocacy group. The bill will speed the process of allowing consumers alternatives to the cable TV monopolies that still exist in many parts of Massachusetts. Cable TV monopolies across the country have been raising subscription fees at triple the rate of inflation over the last decade, and their record in terms of service quality is abysmal.

"A 2006 case study showed that allowing new competitors to compete with cable TV monopolies on a national basis will save a typical video services subscriber approximately $240 a year," said Bruce Hahn, president and CEO of American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance. This is a very significant savings for most homeowners and other consumers. "The new law will also provide the first step for consumers towards many other long-term benefits in addition to video services," he added.

On behalf of the nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that serves the nation's 75 million homeowners, Hahn thanked Massachusetts State Senator Panagiotakos and Representative Vallee for introducing this important legislation. The legislation requires prompt consideration of TV service franchise applications by potential new competitors, assures that there is no discrimination in the availability of the new services, creates an important role for municipalities to address consumer complaints, requires continued support for public educational and governmental access and provides strong enforcement tools.

"Massachusetts residents have paid too much and waited too long for this greatly needed legislation. We hope that other state legislators will join in cosponsoring and speeding the passage of the Massachusetts Cable Choice and Competition Act," said the homeowners group President.

AHGA is a national consumer advocacy organization that has been serving the interests of the nation's 75 million homeowners since 2000. More about AHGA is at http://www.americanhomeowners.org/.

Contact: American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance, 703-536-7776

Web: http://www.americanhomeowners.org/

Web site: http://www.americanhomeowners.org

Source: American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance

CONTACT: American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance, +1-703-536-7776

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