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Legislative

NATOA Survey on Impact of State Video Services Legislation

The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) recently conducted a nationwide survey assessing the potential effects of state cable franchising legislation such as Texas Senate Bill 5. The presentation linked here was made to the Austin Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission on September 10, 2008.

Senate Bill 5 (2005) Full Text

Prior to passage of Senate Bill 5 during the 79th Texas Legislative session, the City of Austin had two franchised cable operators: Time Warner Cable and Grande Communications. Section 27 of the Act added Chapter 66 to the Texas Utilities Code (State Issued Cable & Video Franchise) which allowed Grande Communications to opt out of their municipal franchise with the City and obtain a state-wide franchise (see SB 5-page 32). Until the expiration of their franchise in 2011, Time Warner Cable must still abide by the terms of their agreement. For further details, refer to the full text of SB 5

City Can't Ban Ugly Cell Towers

L.A. Times article about a recent decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals against a city that was prohibiting construction of cellular telephone towers on the basis of appearance.

Austin City Council Passes Resolution on National Franchising

Full text of a resolution setting forth a number of principles federal lawmakers are urged to observe while considering current legislation that would establish nationwide, federally-issued telecom and cable franchises.