FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2006
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Legislators to Push for "Cable Choice and Competition Act:" Measure Would Reduce High Cable Rates, Improve Quality 

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania residents would see lower cable rates, better service and faster deployment of the latest technologies under legislation that was unveiled today by Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senator Anthony Williams (D-8). 

They were joined at a state capitol news conference by a number of organizations, who voiced their support for the "Cable Choice and Competition Act," including the American Consumer Institute, the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, and the US Internet Industry Association. 

The legislation would add Pennsylvania to more than a dozen states that have or are considering opening markets for video services to competition.  Other states that have already offered customers such a choice have seen major reductions in cable rates. 

"We need to update and consolidate Pennsylvania's outdated municipal cable franchise laws and encourage competition," Pileggi said.  "The winners will be Pennsylvania consumers, who will be able to choose their cable company, the same way they choose their telephone company.  And they can make that choice based on cost and quality." 

"A significant portion of the people I represent are working folks and seniors on fixed incomes.  They deserve the ability to benefit from video services like everybody else, but the rates are expensive and rising," added Williams.  "Competition has worked in almost every other aspect of utilities here.  In a state where we have choice in many areas such as electricity and telecommunications, we should have it in this area as well." 

Pileggi said the "Cable Choice and Competition Act" would accelerate the ability of Pennsylvania's consumers to make their own choices regarding cable television by authorizing franchise certificates to be issued at the state level. Currently, anyone seeking to compete with existing cable operators must negotiate with each and every municipality in the Commonwealth for access. 

Other states that have offered customers such a choice have seen major reductions in cable rates. 

Willams added that competition would also help to spur the delivery of faster, more economical, broadband services to residents and promote e-commerce and economic development efforts. In addition, as prices fall, more Pennsylvania consumers will be able to afford both video and high speed Internet services. 

PLEASE NOTE:  Following the news conference, more information will be available at www.pasenategop.com, including a bill summary, and video and audio of the event. 

Contact:

Lee Derr
Office of Senator Pileggi
(717) 787-4712

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