HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4224
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RESOLUTION NO. 4224
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
A RESOLUTION URGING THE MINNESOTA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO CO-
SPONSOR AND SUPPORT CABLE LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD PROVIDE
CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR CABLE TELEVISION SUBSCRIBERS, PRESERVE
COMMUNITY TELEVISION CHANNELS AND FUNDING SUPPORT, AND PROTECT
THE CITY'S AUTHORITY TO CONTROL AND MANAGE ITS PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-
~Y
WHEREAS, THE 1984 Cable Act deregulated cable
subscriber rates in over 90% of the cable systems in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, the economics of cable television, like those
of local telephone and electric service, do not favor head-to-
head competition between cable companies, thereby creating a de
facto monopoly even when franchises are non-exclusive; and
WHEREAS, subscriber rates have increased dramatically,
far higher than the annual rate of inflation, since the enactment
of the 1984 Cable Act; and
WHEREAS, proposed alternatives to the cable company
monopoly, telephone entry into the cable business and direct
broadcast satellites, have no provisions for community television
channels or funding for public, educational or government access;
and
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission has
issued a ruling favoring Video Dialtone Service, which would
allow telephone companies to provide television services without
having to request a franchise to use the public rights-of-way
from the local government's authority to control and manage this
valuable piece of public property; and
WHEREAS, local regulatory cable commissions and local
governments are not protected from legal claims challenging local
regulation contemplated by applicable federal, state or local law
or franchise; and
WHEREAS, H.R. 3560, which was introduced by Congressmen
Eckart and Cooper, contains provisions that clearly represent
consumer interests and better balance the regulation of cable
television services; and
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RESOLUTION NO. 4224
PAGE TWO OF TWO
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the city council of
the City of Mounds View that the Minnesota Congressional
delegation be strongly encouraged to co-sponsor and support
legislation in the House of Representatives, such as H.R. 3560,
that would redress these deficiencies.
Adopted this 27th day of April, 1992.
ATTEST:
(SEAL)