Taking a HARD look at the Business of Politics

In a very interesting document protesting the proposed Illinois Cable and Video Competition Law of 2007 (HB 1500) the Illinois Municipal League analyses in depth the protections to municipalities, and the rights of citizens that are not addressed in the language of the legislation. Just to summarize some of the more interesting highlights-

• The bill ignores whether IPTV should come under the current regulation of CATV.
• The bill fails to address local Emergency Planning and Emergency Management, and fails to address legitimate Public Safety Concerns ie. the ability of a municipality’s Public Safety Department being able to override every TV and Radio channel in order to dispense Emergency information, such as an evacuation order or water boil order, the need for Fire and other Safety personnel to know where these utilities are located in the public right of ways, the existence of hazardous material or high voltage, disclosure of cause in the event of problems with equipment such as happened when an IPTV cabinet exploded in Houston TX and damaged a house, as well as other matters of Public Safety.
• The bill does not have any anti-discrimination provision whatsoever, whether as regards buildout or providing services to handicapped viewers.
• The bill fails to protect subscriber privacy. Specifically mentioned was data mining.
• The bill fails to protect Net Neutrality.
• The bill is devoid of any language that provides for standards and procedures to prevent unreasonable charges.
• The bill is devoid of any language that provides the installation or construction of facilities in the Right of Way cannot affect the safety, function and appearance of the property and the convenience and safety of other persons.
• Once an IP provider submits an application for a statewide franchise there is no provision for the rejection of an application.
• The bill is devoid of any language that states that the cost of installation, construction, and removal of equipment in the right of way will be borne by the IPTV service provider.
• The bill places a financial hardship on PEG providers and diminishes the quality and accessibility of PEG programs.
• The bill contains no language that would protect property owners in the event that action by the IPTV service provider causes damage to the property.
• The bill fails to provide a mechanism by which a municipality could deny an IPTV provider access to an overburdened municipal right of way or pole attachment with limited or no extra capacity.
• The bill is deficient in language that provides for expeditious resolutions of disputes between IPTV providers and municipalities.

The Courier News has a great article about how the Mayors of Cities and Towns across Illinois are coming out against the Illinois Cable and Video Competition Law. I wish them success.

And you folks in Wisconsin might be wise to pay attention. I hear your pending legislation is also stacked against you.

Technorati Tags: Illinois Cable and Video Competition Law, Illinois Municipal League, Illinois State IPTV Franchise, Municipal Right of Way, Public Safety

BitchSlapped on 03/29/07, 2:09 PM
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