(Associated Press via NewsEdge) US lawmakers say their goal is to open cable TV markets to more competition, possibly saving consumers hundreds of dollars a year, in a US House legislation that also tackles the government role's in Internet access.
The biggest telecommunications legislation in a decade would open the way for telephone companies to more easily enter the subscription television market.
A national franchise process would replace the current system where potential providers must negotiate separately with each municipality.
'This legislation can increase competition not only for cable services, but also unleash a race for who can supply the fastest, most sophisticated broadband connections that will provide video, voice and data services,' said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton, R-Texas.
Rep. Fred Upton, who heads the telecommunications subcommittee, estimated that people could save $30 to $40 each month if given a choice in video services.
But many Democrats said the measure did too little to ensure that broadband services would be extended to lower income and rural areas.
They also said the bill does not adequately address 'net neutrality,' preventing companies from discriminating against competitors or less affluent consumers by restricting access or charging higher fees.
The telephone and cable companies that provide the service say further regulation is unnecessary and would hamper efforts to expand high speed services.
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