Legislation could lead to cable TV competition

[June 21, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois lawmakers have approved legislation that could lead to cable TV competition and lower rates, according to state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington. --

The 44th District senator says the bill allows AT&T to get into the cable TV business.

"Now AT&T can go into the marketplace and use their existing easements, and through their network provide competition to cable TV," Brady said.

Senate Bill 678 sets new cable television rules allowing telephone companies to enter into the cable television market, with conditions for consumer protections.

"At the beginning of this year, AT&T came to us and asked for authorization to compete with the tele-cable industry throughout this state," Brady said. "The good news is we were able to negotiate a successful bill, which provides another layer of competition for the consumers. A compromise agreement was brought together that will afford consumers another alternative, and the ability to use competing forces to drive down the cost of their cable bills."

Approved June 19 by the Senate and May 31 by the House of Representatives, Senate Bill 678 now moves to the governor's desk and will become law with his signature.

[Text from news release sent on behalf of Sen. Bill Brady by Illinois Senate Republican staff]