New York Bill Ties Cable TV Franchising to Broadband Buildout

CWA District 1 is preparing to make a big push for broad telecommunications reform that will include statewide franchising of cable TV, broadband build-out across New York state and restoration of telecom service standards for installation and repairs.

Nine CWA local Speed Matters coordinators, as part of a Strategic Industry Fund campaign, are already building support for the Telecommunications Reform Act of 2007, introduced by Assemblyman Richard Brodsky. As the CWA Telecom News went to press, 44 co-sponsors were backing the bill.

"The build-out of broadband technology across the state will promote competition among providers of cable TV, high-speed Internet and telephony, bring consumers the option of choosing better service from a union provider, and ensure job growth and security for our members," CWA District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton said.

CWA is working to build a coalition of supporters, including unions, community groups, businesses and telecom providers. In March, Local 1120 Steward Jim Gescheidle was among about 100 CWA activists who visited legislators in Albany to seek legislative support. He said while Verizon is already deploying FiOS in densely populated areas of his Poughkeepsie local, the company won't bring its fiber-optic technology to more rural areas unless the state demands it.

"The Internet is so important — even most of the websites are set up for high speed now. If you still have dial-up, well, good luck," Gescheidle said.

Stewards Army training this month is stressing the importance of the bill. Jake Lake of Binghampton, a steward for Local 1111, said his local is lobbying legislators as well as talking to friends, family and customers.

"It's frustrating to be a Verizon guy and have to pay Time-Warner for video services," Lake said. "When people realize the options this bill will bring them, they're open to it. They realize it's the future. It's just a matter of getting the word out."

The bill calls for broadband build-out to 85 percent of the state, to any city with more than 501 people per square mile, as a condition for cable TV franchising. It would establish a new Broadband Development Authority to increase affordable broadband in underserved areas, would regulate VoIP — phone calls over the internet — and would restore installation and repair standards that have been relaxed by the state PUC. It would also require providers to establish public, government and educational channels.

CWA leaders are seeking a companion bill in the Senate and have received broad assurances of support from Gov. Eliot Spitzer. With CWA support, similar franchising legislation with build-out requirements has already been passed in California, Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia.