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Statistical information regarding cable franchising in Minnesota <br /> The initial comments submitted by the MTA suggest that there are only four (4) new <br /> entrants which provide competitive video services in Minnesota franchise areas. See MTA Initial <br /> Comments at page 4. Moreover, the MTA argues that "cumulatively a total of 1,078 companies <br /> are listed as being "active" cable service providers in various areas throughout the state." Id. <br /> The MTA goes on to argue that only "26 communities have two or more providers listed. <br /> However, of that 126 [sic], 72 companies are listed as inactive." Id. Despite the fact that there <br /> appear to be typographical errors which render confusing exactly which statistics MTA is <br /> seeking to emphasize, the LFAs have surveyed their membership and found strikingly different <br /> results. In particular, the LFA information listed in Exhibit B of these reply comments identify <br /> 19 different companies or"new entrants"which provide competitive video services to Minnesota <br /> communities. Moreover, at least 43 communities' have two or more cable service providers. <br /> See Exhibit B. <br /> It is worth noting that the communities in which the competitive services exist are spread <br /> throughout the state of Minnesota, as demonstrated in the map set forth in Exhibit A attached <br /> hereto. Interestingly, it is the largest jurisdictions in the state such as Minneapolis, St. Paul, <br /> Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud and many of the Twin Cities metro area suburbs which do not <br /> enjoy competition. Rather, many of the smaller, more rural communities in the state have <br /> benefited from competition, often from companies affiliated with local telephone providers, <br /> many of which are members of the MTA. Qwest is not directly providing video services to any <br /> Minnesota cities or towns. <br /> See Exhibit C attached hereto. <br /> 3 <br />