2006.04.17 EDA Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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f Z , MACTA is a non-profit association representing 105 cities and 9 townships in Minnesota. MACTA was formed in 1982 as a trade association supporting its member cities by providing educational, networking, and legislative/regulatory assistance in areas relating to cable television and telecommunications. MACTA members include cities, cable commissions, community cable TV facilities, and advisors working with these organizations. INTRODUCTION The Minnesota local franchising authorities represented by the LMC and the MACTA (hereinafter collectively, "LFAs") wish to reply to initial comments submitted by the Minnesota Telecom Alliance ("MTA") and Qwest Communications International, Inc. ("Qwest"). As set forth in our initial comments, LFAs in Minnesota have been managing communications competition for many years and are excited to embrace competition in the video arena. LFAs are not barriers to entry, but rather simply following the policies set forth in state and federal law. These policies encourage competition but also seek to ensure that no provider is given an unfair competitive advantage over the other. LFAs are uniquely positioned to ensure that video providers meet each community's needs and interests in a fair and equitable manner. LFAs are also in the best position to ensure that provider obligations are enforced. The Commission should promote policies and regulations which protect LFAs' authority to supervise rights-of- way, require the payment of a reasonable franchise fee as compensation for the use of such rights-of-way and require sufficient outlets for local expression and appropriate institutional network obligations. 2