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Massachusetts Cable Competition Bill Would Drive Consumer Savings
BOSTON, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers in Massachusetts
stand to benefit greatly from cable competition legislation introduced
earlier this month in the state legislature, according to the American
Consumer Institute.
The Massachusetts Cable Choice and Competition Act will benefit these
consumers by removing the regulatory barriers that discourage companies
from competing for cable and video customers, the consumer advocacy
organization said.
"Our recent study shows that consumers nationwide would save $107
billion over the next five years if cable TV markets were competitive,"
said Stephen Pociask, chief economist for the American Consumer Institute.
"This is just the kind of reform we need to make that a reality for the
people of Massachusetts."
When there is competition for cable and other video services, consumers
save on average more than $22 a month, an ACI survey showed. Not only do
new companies compete with lower prices and better service, but existing
cable TV providers also lower their prices in response. This is welcome
relief to consumers, who have seen cable companies use their monopoly
status to raise rates faster than even those of drugs and medical care
services, the ACI said.
"In addition to significant consumer savings, competition generated by
this legislation would result in job growth and economic development, as
well as increased use of broadband Internet services," Pociask said.
The legislation is a double win for municipalities throughout the
state, too, he said. Cities will collect franchise fees from customers of
new competitors, and the lower prices generated by competition will grow
the market, resulting in additional revenues. At the same time, the
legislation leaves unchanged municipal control of public rights-of-way and
governance of public, educational and government channel content.
"As other states have enacted similar measures, this legislation has
benefited from their experiences," Pociask said. "It reforms regulations
that were designed for monopoly cable service, while leveling the playing
field by allowing cable TV, telephone and other video service companies to
compete with each other under the same rules. This truly is legislation
that deserves quick approval so consumers can start saving money
immediately."
About The American Consumer Institute
The Institute is an independent public policy organization committed to
providing information, analysis and public policy research to the public
for the betterment of American consumers. The Institute is primarily
composed of volunteer public policy experts covering a wide range of
issues. For more information or to contact us, visit
http://www.theamericanconsumer.org.
SOURCE American Consumer Institute
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