Indiana Telecommunications Reform Act 1279

[efbrune]

The Indiana Governor signed into law the Indiana Telecommunications Reform Act 1279 on March 14, 2006.

The House Enrolled Act 1279 deregulates telephone companies and allows them to set their own rates for phone services; also would shift control of cable television from local governments to the state. The law goes into effect July 1, 2006.

A summary of the house bill can be viewed here:
http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?request=getBill&doctype=HB&docno=1279

It's too early to tell how this will affect IPTV services in the state of Indiana, but I'm hopeful that it will speed up the deployment of such services by SBC/AT&T and other local phone companies.

If anyone else has more information on this, please post in this thread.

Thanks,

Earl

 

[efbrune]

The following is a quote from the Indianapolis Star.

"Telecom reform, which drew bipartisan support in the House and Senate, was a key objective facing lawmakers when they convened in January. Opponents, chiefly the cable TV industry, launched a high-profile advertising campaign in an attempt to scare Hoosiers about the supposed dangers of telecom deregulation. Thankfully, reason, not fear, won out.

The new law lowers regulatory barriers that have discouraged companies from investing in cable TV and broadband services. As a result, the Digital Policy Institute at Ball State University estimates that consumers in Indiana will save more than $131 million a year in cable rates. The institute also projects the creation of 20,000 jobs as the broadband network expands."

View the full story here:
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060315/OPINION/603150371