Fiber-To-The-Home Council Applauds FCC's Order To Streamline Video Franchise Process

Washington, DC - The recent Federal Communications Commission Order streamlining the video franchising process is a major stride toward competition in multichannel video distribution and accelerated deployment of next-generation broadband networks, the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council said.

"We enthusiastically support the FCC's effort to fix the outdated and anti-competitive video franchising process," said Joe Savage, President of the FTTH Council. "This Order will help speed up the process of bringing consumers more choice, lower rates, and access to much higher-speed broadband networks."

Last year, eight states joined Texas in enacting laws establishing state-issued video franchises, thereby ending time-consuming and expensive negotiations with municipalities and removing significant barriers to entry for companies that offer video through fiber optic connections directly to the home. Consumers in those states are already seeing significant benefits. For example, a recent study commissioned by the FTTH Council found that video-enabled fiber-to-the-home connections have grown eight times faster in Texas than in the rest of the country after that state's law was enacted.

"The more fiber that is deployed, the more choices consumers will have in their home entertainment. It's that simple," said Savage. "And, given fiber's huge bandwidth advantages, today's FCC Order paves the way for a faster rollout of next-generation broadband throughout the country."

Savage also praised the FCC for initiating a new proceeding to deregulate incumbent cable providers. "We feel that where competitive alternatives exist, it is important to extend deregulation to all participants. There should be a level playing field."

Additional information about the FTTH Council's position on streamlined franchising and other public policy issues can be found at www.ftthcouncil.org.

SOURCE: Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council