Martin: Video Franchising Set for FCC Nov. Agenda Meeting
LAS VEGAS -- FCC Chmn. Martin told Telecom ‘05 he'd like to see action on IP video franchising at the FCC’s Nov. agenda meeting. Martin said he wants comments on whether there’s a role for the FCC in assuring new entrants into video services aren’t impeded by local franchising activities. Martin spoke live by satellite link because he didn’t want to leave Washington. His wife expects to deliver their first child any day. He told the group appearing “virtually” may be particularly appropriate at a conference that has been emphasizing technology as a way to make life more efficient.
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“Many of you are rolling out video” and as new entrants in that field, telecom providers should be encouraged, he said. Martin said he already has given other commissioners a proposal that looks at how local franchising works and asks if the FCC needs to act to assure it’s fair to new competitors. The item is expected to be a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), one source said.
To assure integrated services develop, “all providers should be treated in a similar manner regardless of the service used,” Martin said. In answer to a question by USTelecom Pres. Walter McCormick, Martin said “making sure incumbent LECs are able to provide video services may be critical to deploying broadband.”
Martin hopes to see action soon on changing the “outdated” universal service collection system, he said. He has been advocating moving from a revenue-based system to one based on numbers but is open to other ideas as long as the new system is technology neutral, he said. He indicated interest in examining distribution of universal service support, saying he’s not sure it’s “viable” to continue supporting multiple providers in the same geographic areas. -- Edie Herman
Telecom ‘05 Notebook
Debate about whether Bell companies’ IPTV services should meet buildout requirements in cable franchises grew heated in a panel discussion at Telecom ‘05 Tues. in Las Vegas. NCTA Vp-Legal Dan Brenner said he'd “put my hand out in friendship” to work with the Bells to settle the disagreement, in hopes the Bells would “put your hand out in friendship and say there shouldn’t have to be different rules.” But “buildout” is “code for the ugly word ‘redlining,'” said Verizon executive John Raposa. Discussions start, “the slur comes and then off we go,” Raposa said. “Buildout is a federal requirement” to insure service to all, said Elizabeth Beatty of NATOA. Raposa responded that there’s no federal requirement that buildout meet geographic boundaries local franchising authorities set. Verizon’s obligation is to serve its customers first, in its current service area, he said.