California Regulators Grant AT&T’s Request for Statewide Video Franchise

7:00 am on April 3, 2007 | Category: Business, Regulation, Telecom Services, Television

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The California Public Utilities Commission granted its second multi-region cable television franchise late last week, giving AT&T Inc. permission to roll out its U-verse IPTV service throughout its California service area.

“The CPUC’s approval of our application brings Californians one step closer to finally having a real choice to cable TV,” commented AT&T’s state president, Ken McNeely. “After more than 40 years of the status quo, Californians are now beginning to see the benefits of a competitive marketplace for both TV/video and other broadband services.”

McNeely went on to say that AT&T would begin deploying U-verse “in cities throughout the state as soon as possible.”

Another telecom incumbent, Verizon Communications, was given CPUC permission to launch its FiOS fiber optic television offering in a number of California communities last month.

These statewide franchising decisions come as a result of a piece of legislation passed by California’s Senate late last year, and given final regulatory approval at the beginning of March.

AT&T and Verizon had previously launched IPTV service in a few markets on a strictly local basis, but the new legislation allows them to save time and bypass municipal regulators.

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    Published by TeleClick Enterprises
    Edited by Jeremy Maddock