TV4US Celebrates One Year of Cable Choice in Wisconsin

TV4US Celebrates One Year of Cable Choice in Wisconsin

20 New Providers Approved to Offer Video Services in the State

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Just one year after the passage of the Video Competition Act, competition and new investment are booming across Wisconsin. The legislation, which went into effect in early January, 2008, opened up the door to cable competition in Wisconsin by allowing video service providers to apply to the state for a franchise, rather than to local municipalities.

Since the law took effect, 20 new providers have been approved in Wisconsin and investment by these new competitors is creating more than 1,500 jobs. Competition is expected to infuse hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment into the state.

Wisconsin consumers are already seeing reduced costs and better service. According to a Wisconsin State Journal editorial, "The injection of competition into the Madison television market put additional pressure on Charter to provide a better product or risk losing business." The editorial also states that, "Greater competition is undoubtedly holding prices lower than they otherwise would be."(1)

"After years of enduring endless rate hikes, poor service, and stagnant technology the people of Wisconsin now have a choice in cable providers. Thanks to the wisdom of the Wisconsin legislature and Governor Doyle, consumers 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 Video Competition Act (Assembly Bill 207) received strong bi-partisan support under the leadership of State Senator Jeff Plale and State Representative Phil Montgomery and was signed into law by Governor Doyle on December 21, 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.wewanttvchoice.com/

(1) TV competition helps consumers, Wisconsin State Journal, December 16,

2008.

Source: TV4US

CONTACT: Lizanne Sadlier of TV4US, +1-202-955-5524,
lsadlier@wewantchoice.org

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

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