FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2006
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MEDIA ALERT

Legislators to Unveil "Cable Choice and Competition Act"

Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senator Anthony Williams (D-8) will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, in the State Capitol’s Media Center to unveil legislation that is intended to reduce cable bills and give Pennsylvania consumers greater choice in who provides their cable service.

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. This legislation would add Pennsylvania to more than a dozen states that have, or are considering, de-regulating the cable market. Other states that have already offered customers such a choice have seen major reductions in cable rates.

Among those scheduled to take part are representatives of the American Consumer Institute, the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, and the US Internet Industry Association.

CONTACT:

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