MichaelWacey
OwlSaver
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join:2005-01-30
Berwyn, PA
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 ·Comcast
| Why should local governments have this power?
It seems to me that most utilities are regulated at the state level. I am not sure that most local governments have the expertise or time to negotiate the complex (far more complex than they should be) agreements. It really annoys me when the local governments squeeze the cable or telco companies for items completely unrelated to cable TV. Or even related to cable TV.
I think every state should regulate cable tv just as they do power and water. It would give the companies consistency. The state PUC could set rules that are fair to everyone. They would have the scope and power to at least understand what they are signing.
In the end, there is no magic solution that will make everything wonderful. But, I think common statewide standards would be a step in the right direction. |
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TKJunkMail
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join:2002-03-03
Avalon, NJ
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| said by MichaelWacey  :It seems to me that most utilities are regulated at the state level. I think every state should regulate cable tv just as they do power and water. The state PUC could set rules that are fair to everyone. They would have the scope and power to at least understand what they are signing. And the legislators don't have to do what Verizon wants. They could actually do what they are elected for - represent the voters. But will they do that? Until voters actually show some interest and throw the bums from office, the voters get what they deserve. Ultimately it falls on them for being stupid.
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ptrowski
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join:2005-03-14
Putnam, CT
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| reply to MichaelWacey
said by MichaelWacey :It seems to me that most utilities are regulated at the state level. I am not sure that most local governments have the expertise or time to negotiate the complex (far more complex than they should be) agreements. It really annoys me when the local governments squeeze the cable or telco companies for items completely unrelated to cable TV. Or even related to cable TV. I think every state should regulate cable tv just as they do power and water. It would give the companies consistency. The state PUC could set rules that are fair to everyone. They would have the scope and power to at least understand what they are signing. In the end, there is no magic solution that will make everything wonderful. But, I think common statewide standards would be a step in the right direction. Many towns in MA have their own muni water or electrical company and some have their own cable ISP.
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"So, Lone Starr, now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb."
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pdBerg
@att.net
| reply to MichaelWacey
Michael,
Would you want Starbucks to open a cafe in town hall without paying the town rent? I think not. Cable company fees to local municipalities are "rent" for their uses of the public right-of-way. PROW fees have long been the rule in the cable TV industry, and they make sense because the usage of PROW's in each community differ, and one size does not fit all.
Cable TV is not a "utility" -- that is, something vital for the public necessity and convenience. It is a private entertainment service. I do not believe cable TV operator regulation should be something paid for by all taxpayers, but only by cable subscribing residents.
pdBerg |
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bicker
join:2007-05-10
Burlington, MA | reply to MichaelWacey
I agree Michael. There is too much pseudo-extortion in the system when the local governments are involved. The states are reasonably structured to grant such licenses; they already manage similar services such as telecom, energy, etc. |
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