Washington, DC: The following statement may be attributed to U.S. Representative Edward J. Markey, Ranking Democrat, House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, regarding today's decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning local cable television franchise rules:

“While the FCC’s action today represents an early Christmas present for the Bell telephone utilities, it is like a lump of coal for many communities around the country. 

“Today’s decision comes on the heels of a year-long legislative battle in Congress on the same set of franchising-related subjects.  I fully support providing consumers with additional marketplace choices for cable service but I believe competition must be promoted in a way that also respects the important values of localism and universal service.  Although Congress failed to enact any of the franchising-related proposals sought by the Bell telephone utilities into law this year, I am concerned that the FCC has acted today at the behest of the same utilities to adopt similar policies. 

“Overall, I believe the haste with which the Commission has acted may lead to problematic and unintended consequences.  In some instances, the Commission may be acting without clear legal authority and in others, by promulgating rules without a consistent, balanced policy for all marketplace participants.  Finally, efforts in communities across the country to bolster localism through public access channels and to utilize institutional networks for important municipal functions may be put in jeopardy by novel interpretations of the Cable Act which undermine the financial basis for such services.

“I look forward to reviewing today’s decision and examining its implications for consumers, communities, and competition next year.”

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