6/12/2007 CABLE AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE Minutes

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Town` of Mashpee office of Selectmen Vii.•�°`v``� Y, 43 5 16 Great Areck YPoad Aorth r �Rry f� Mashpee,J)1assachusetts 02649 `telephone - (508) 539-1400 Ax- (508) 539-1403 PROCLAMATION AND RESOLUTION In Relation to Maintainin Local II Licensing Authority Authori of Cable Television WHEREAS Verizon has built facilities through which competitive cable television services can be offered in over 40 Massachusetts communities,,yet it is not clear whether or when any other municipality in which Verizon also operated will enjoy the benefits of competition to the same extent as those communities, and; WHEREAS It has long been recognized that one of the most valuable assets of a_ Democracy is freedom of speech and a unfettered media.If media such as cable television is to be fair and competitive and not controlled by a minority,local governments and citizens must have the mechanism and authority to negotiate the.terms and conditions under which wire-line cable television companies may provide cable television to residents. WHEREAS Public review of public contracts, franchises, and licenses is a requirement of law.and a process for local hearings on cable television service provision is consistent with long-standing principles of ascertaining and addressing community cable-related needs at the local level, and; WHEREAS Federal law explicitly prohibits cable companies and municipalities from entering into exclusive franchises. Yet,notwithstanding non-exclusivity, construction of competitive wire-line cable television systems in Massachusetts has not occurred to the extent desired due to factor's beyond the control of local government, and; WHEREAS Competition in the provision of cable television is desirable and has the potential for producing consumer benefits through increased choice and selection and the Mashpee Board of Selectmen supports competition, and; WHEREAS In order to ensure nondiscriminatory and equal access to competitive services consistent with federal and state law,the Town of Mashpee has an obligation to ensure that its residents are among those to whom competitive services will be made.available by a date certain, and; WHEREAS Verizon Communications is seeking State legislation that would exempt it from Municipal consent and due process,which is currently required and extremely valuable in ensuring that media is not controlled by monopolies. If the legislation Verizon seeks were enacted cable television providers would be licensed under a state-issued franchise,bypassing any and all local input or municipal control,and;