Item 8C
MEL MARTINEZ
FLORIDA
12021 224 304 1
TO:
City Cota~ission
^ C'.:.y Mucager
City Attorney
^ Press
File
~ ~~
Date; L . -~ ..]
united ~tat~,~ senate
WASHINGTON. DC 20510-0906
November 18, 2005
AGENDA ITEM #8C
JANUARY 23, 2006
COMMITTEES:
AGING
6ANKING
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
FOREIGN RELATIONS
1?.ECI;I~~ED
~- n
M.;
OFFIC= Or'I':a. CC~Y CLERK
Mr. Jim Hanson
CIty Manager
City of Atlantic Beach
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233-5455
Dear Mr. Hanson:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act. I
appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns. -
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was intended to create a level playing field for all
telecommunications services in order to promote competitive markets. However, many companies found
loopholes in this act that permitted them to develop a less competitive marketplace for consumers and
new entrants. New technologies, such as broadband, are providing consumers more options for how they
communicate. Now the Telecommunications Act of 1996 is outdated and newer technologies have
~,,,, spurred the need to update these rules and regulations if the United States is going to remain competitive
with foreign markets.
As you may already know, Senator John Ensign (R-Nl~ introduced, and I have co-sponsored, the
~~ Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act (S. 1504) on July 27, 2005. This legislation would
establish a market driven telecommunications marketplace to encourage investment, innovation,
competition and equality among existing and new companies. S. 1504 would also ensure that
" multichannel distributors have greater access to programming. The Broadband Investment and Consumer
Choice Act was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
''"" I understand that establishing a level playing field for distributors and consumers is vital to the
telecommunications programming market. I believe that S. 1504 addresses the impact of new technology
in our society on telecommunications competition. Broadband investment will promote more competition
among providers, which will aid in delivering higher quality services and more choices for aii consumers.
Please know that I will continue to support S. 1504 and any related legislation as we proceed in
~, the 109th Congress. Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. If you have any additional
questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Mel Martinez
United States Senator
MM/wcn
..
September 27, 2005
The Honorable Mel Martinez
United States Senate
1650 Prudential Drive, Suite 220
Jacksonville, FL 32207
RE: Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act
Deaz Senator Martinez;
AGENDA ITEM #8C
JANUARY 23, 2006
CITY OF ATLAi. ~ ~~ ,,,,,r,~.1
800 SEMINOLE ROAD
ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA 32233-5455
TELEPHONE: (904) 247-5800 '
FAX: (904) 247-5805
SUNCOM: 852-5800
www.coab.us
Attached you will find a copy of a resolution unanimously adopted by the Mayor and
Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach on September 26, 2005 opposing the proposed
"Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act" (51504). We understand that a similar piece
of legislation has been introduced in the House under the title of the "Video Choice of 2005".
The Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act would preempt city and county franchise
agreements with cable television providers, thereby removing many important consumer
protections that are included in those agreements. It would take away a considerable amount of
authority from cities and counties to regulate the use of public right-of--ways. It would also place
limitations on franchise fees which would reduce the revenues currently received by local
governments and would set a precedent for other utilities to demand similar deductions. The net
~"" effect of these changes would be a massive shift in who pays for local government services and. a
major subsidy to the telecommunications industry.
~"" This resolution requests that you oppose this or other similar legislative proposals that may be
brought for your consideration. If you have any questions or need any additional information
please let me know. I am,
Very truly yours,
un Hanson
'"~ City Manager
cc: Mayor and Commission
Florida League of Cities