Congress, Free the Video Market. Now.
"We want Congress to hear the voices of consumers weary of waiting for a choice in emerging video technologies while paying annual rate increases to cable for no good reason."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2006
Contact: Jeffrey Mazzella
703.535.5836
Congress, Free the Video Market. Now.
New CFIF Ad Urges National Cable Competition Law
ALEXANDRIA, VA — To amplify its call on Congress to stimulate cable competition by eliminating outmoded local franchise rules, the Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF) today unveiled a new advertisement calling for reform of the outdated and anti-competitive system.
"We want Congress to hear the voices of consumers weary of waiting for a choice in emerging video technologies while paying annual rate increases to cable for no good reason," said Jeffrey Mazzella, CFIF president. "Our ad captures the viewpoints of eight organizations that are advocates for free market forces, consumers and competition. It tells Congress loud and clear, 'Consumers want cable competition now.'"
Both the House and Senate are considering legislation to streamline antiquated local cable franchise rules into uniform national law that will encourage new providers to build broadband networks and offer advanced services. Studies show that prices drop at least 15 percent in markets where consumers have a choice of providers, according to Mazzella.
"In the past 10 years, under the old rules, cable companies have been virtual monopolies and their rates have climbed unchecked," said Mazzella.
"Competition has served consumers well in other markets, such as cellular service and Internet access. We've consistently seen prices in those industries decrease while the pace of innovation has increased," Mazzella continued. "That's because of competition. Congress needs to act now to establish a national franchising system to spur cable competition so the same market dynamics can benefit consumers of video services.
"Current regulations have not kept pace with technology. Current franchise laws could delay cable competition and innovation by years, if not decades. That's a serious problem; one Congress must address immediately," Mazzella concluded.
The Center for Individual Freedom (www.cfif.org) is a non-profit constitutional and free-market advocacy organization. CFIF opposes over-burdensome state and federal regulations and taxing regimes that impede the evolution of the Internet and e-commerce.