I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of having no choice about what company provides my cable tv service. Well, there's some good news on the horizon! Congress is now considering the Barton-Rush bill, a bi-partisan, consumer-oriented bill that would open up markets for competition in the cable industry.
Many companies, both large and small, are poised to enter the arena and that would drive down costs and expand consumer options because of increased competition. Unfortunately, the piecemeal and parochial method now used to negotiate franchise agreements, effectively blocks out the potential for other providers.
I have no problem with Time-Warner offering phone service, I just think that the phone companies and ISPs should be able to offer video services. The Barton-Rush Bill (HR5252) meets that need and would provide individual communities with increased leverage during franchise negotiations.
In a rural state like Maine, we have a real opportunity to expand the digital highway by fostering an environment of fairness and competition. Doesn't that sound better than paying more taxes so that people up north can also be limited to just one choice?
For more information, please visit: www.wewantchoice.com
Please join me in contacting our Congressional delegation about this issue. Tell them Maine consumers should have choices. Tell Congress to support the Barton-Rush Bill. The contact information for our delegation is listed below:
Rep. Tom Allen: 1-888-862-6500 (toll free)
rep.tomallen@mail.house.gov
Rep. Mike Michaud: (202) 225-6306
rep.mikemichaud@mail.house.gov
Sen. Olympia Snowe: 800-432-1599
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