Senate Again Endorses Telecommunications Reform
(STATEHOUSE) The Indiana Senate today passed a telecommunications measure that experts say will create thousands of jobs and save consumers millions of dollars in cable bills. The Senate passed House Bill 1279 (the twin bill for Senate Bill 245) by a vote of 42-7.
“This is the most aggressive and forward-thinking telecom bill in the nation,” said Senator Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield), the bill's sponsor. “It will give consumers a choice of video providers and spur economic development in the state.”
The bill provides incentives for telecommunications companies to build out their broadband service, thus making Indiana more inviting to businesses. A recent study showed that access to high-speed communications is the most important factor in drawing business to a particular state. In addition, independent think tank FreedomWorks has said the bill will create 20,000 new jobs and $7 billion in investment.
Secondly, the bill moves video franchising authority to the state level. The current system of local video franchising makes it difficult for competitors to the incumbent cable networks to enter the market.
“Rather than seeing 300 lawyers negotiating a local franchise deal, I'd rather see 300 linemen bringing choices to Hoosier households,” Hershman said.
HB 1279 will eliminate this virtual monopoly and give most Hoosiers a choice in video service. This month, Ball State University 's Digital Policy Institute released a study saying Hoosiers could save a total of $262 million on their cable bills annually.
Because the bill was amended, it will now go back to the House of Representatives for further action.
State Senator Brandt Hershman represents District 7, which includes Jasper, White, Carroll, Tippecanoe, Clinton , and Howard counties.
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