District 13 Launches Drive in Pennsylvania for Broadband, Cable TV Franchising

District 13 has launched a grassroots campaign to create a statewide franchise for cable TV and to bring high-speed Internet access to residents across Pennsylvania.

Jim Short, CWA vice president for District 13, urged members to visit the district's website and participate in an e-mail campaign to pass the Consumer Choice Cable Franchising and High Speed Broadband Promotion Act, introduced in the State Legislature by Majority Policy Chair Todd Eachus.

"Far too many of our fellow citizens have been left behind in the information age, and this bill would be a huge step toward closing the digital divide," Short said. "First and foremost, this bill would require companies to provide service to residents of rural Pennsylvania and low-income households, as well as schools, hospitals and government agencies."

CWAers in District 13 are also working to build a strong coalition of organizations with interest in the bill including municipal governments and consumer groups.

The legislation:

• Allows statewide cable franchising, replacing the current system in which cable providers negotiate with each of the state's 2,500 municipalities.
• Sets buildout requirements.
• Redefines franchise fees to more accurately reflect the value of cable services to local governments.
• Sets standards for cable companies to provide access to public institutions such as schools and hospitals, and
• Provides real oversight of the cable industry by the public utility commission.

To send an email to state legislators, visit the District 13 website here and click on the button labeled "It's about having a choice."