05-09-90.2.2 - Resolution - 05/09/1990RESOLUTION NO. 5-9-90.2.2
RESOLUTION BY THE COLLEGE STATION CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING A
~PROPOSAL FOR REREGULATION OF THE CABLE INDUSTRY.
WHEREAS, the Cable Deregulation Act of 1984 removed the
rights of states and municipalities to regulate the rates charged
by cable companies and the channels carried within a franchised
~area; and
WHEREAS, the service provided by the cable company is a pub-
lic convenience and necessity like any other utility; and
WHEREAS, since deregulation, with the merging of cable
companies and the vertical and horizontal integration between
cable companies and program suppliers, a virtual monopoly has
been created whereby the customers are at a disadvantage; and
WHEREAS, citizens and municipalities have historically held
.the right to regulate and oversee the rates and services of pub-
lic utility monopolies;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the
City of College Station, Texas, supports the proposal for the
reregulation of the cable industry.
The City of College Station respectfully requests Congres-
onal enactment of legislation which will enable local munici-
palities to regulate cable companies. Further, that this
Congressional legislation effectively address the selection of
'channels for local programming and public access, and the
problems associated with it, and other consumer related problems,
such as the authority to regulate rates and requirements for
~renewal of franchises, giving cities sufficient safeguards and
iadequate authority to regulate technical standards to ensure
!reasonable local oversight over the quality of service.
and APPROVED this 9th day of May
, 1990.
EST:
onnie Hooks, City Secretary
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