CWA Calls on Pennsylvania Legislators to Support High Speed Broadband Buildout

CWA Calls on Pennsylvania Legislators to Support High Speed Broadband Buildout

House Consumer Affairs Committee to take up HB 1490 this week

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A broad coalition of labor, consumers and community groups strongly supports The Consumer Choice Cable Franchising and High-Speed Broadband Promotion Act, H.B 1490, and the Communications Workers of America is urging members of the House Consumer Affairs Committee to approve this measure.

CWA research economist Debbie Goldman will testify before the committee at a hearing on Thursday, February 7.

This kind of reform is critical for Pennsylvania, to help support the buildout of true high speed Internet networks and to ensure that all businesses and residents have access to the communications services that are the economic engine of the 21st century, CWA said.

A number of other states have passed measures to ensure that residents, communities and business have access to new Internet applications and other technological changes that have come about through true high speed broadband. These include upgraded communications for emergency responders and municipalities, tele-medicine, distance learning, participation in government and civic affairs, and particularly, economic growth and jobs, the union said.

These goals are possible under HB1490, because the bill would end the current cable monopoly and allow for true competition. It would maintain and enhance consumer protections and service quality by lowering cable television prices, improving service and expanding access to high speed broadband service, CWA said, adding that it also would retain protections for municipalities.

The bill would create a more streamlined process for companies to obtain the right to offer cable television services and that would spur competition throughout the state. In addition, those companies that meet the bill's requirements for a statewide franchise will be required to build out their networks so that all communities benefit, a critical improvement to current policies, CWA said.

CWA represents 25,000 workers across Pennsylvania in communications, information technology, media and other sectors.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Communications Workers of America

CONTACT: Alex Minishak of Communications Workers of America District 13,
+1-215-317-9191; or Candice Johnson of Communications Workers of America
Communications, +1-202-434-1168

Web Site:

http://www.cwa-union.org/

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