TV4US Celebrates One Year of Cable Choice in Ohio

TV4US Celebrates One Year of Cable Choice in Ohio

More than 30 New Providers Approved to Offer Video Services in the State

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Just one year after the passage of the Ohio Video Competition Act, competition and new investment is booming across Ohio. The legislation, which went into effect on September 24, 2007, gave the state sole video franchising authority and encouraged greater competition in the cable television market.

Since the law took effect, 34 companies have been approved by the Ohio Department of Commerce to offer video services in Ohio. (A complete list of companies can be found at http://www.com.ohio.gov/admn/vsa/.) The reforms have also brought greatly needed investment and jobs to the state, with new video providers investing hundreds of millions of dollars and hiring hundreds of new employees throughout Ohio.

"Consumers have clearly benefited from the Video Competition Act. After years of being stuck with only one cable provider, Ohioans now have a choice. Thanks to the wisdom of the Ohio legislature and Governor Strickland, Ohioans are finally experiencing the benefits of competition: more choice, competitive rates, new technology and improved customer service," said Lizanne Sadlier, Executive Director of TV4US.

The Ohio Video Competition Act (S.B. 117) reformed Ohio's video franchising system by granting providers a single statewide franchise, rather than requiring the negotiation of separate franchises in each locality. Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Jacobson, R-Dayton, S.B. 117 passed with near unanimous support in Ohio Senate and Ohio House and was signed into law by Governor Strickland on June 25, 2007.

TV4US is a non-profit grassroots coalition made up of a diversified group of corporations, non-profit and non-governmental organizations - representing hundreds of thousands of consumers across the country advocating for competition in the video service market. http://www.wewantchoice.com/

Source: TV4US

CONTACT: Lizanne Sadlier of TV4US, +1-202-955-5524

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

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