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There's been much activity of late at the municipal level in response to the House and Senate Bills, a summary below. Remember that AT&T and Verizon started the whole state and national franchising push because they claimed that negotiating with local municipalities (as cable companies do) was just too burdensome and slow (for their desired business plan). The cities have a different story to tell . . .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joe Fivas – MML
Monday, May 8, 2006 (517) 485-1314
Dave Bertram – MTA
(517) 321-6467

Michigan communities to AT&T: Can you hear us now?

Phone giant fails to respond to more than 600 invitations and resolutions throughout state asking AT&T to sign local franchise agreements and compete for cable TV customers.

AT&T and Verizon have been pushing for state-wide franchises as well as the national legislation in the House and Senate.
from: Detroit News

AT&T chief: Untangle local TV franchise rules
Company making plans to deliver Internet-based television to state residents
Sharon Terlep / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- AT&T Inc. Chairman and CEO Edward E. Whitacre Jr. said Monday that Michigan should revamp cable television franchise rules that stand in the way of AT&T's plan to deliver Internet-based TV to state residents.

from News Day

Draft ruling says AT&T can offer cable over phone lines
May 6, 2006, 12:32 PM EDT

HARTFORD, Conn. -- A draft ruling from the state Department of Public Utility Control would allow AT&T to offer television service over phone lines.

May 1, 2006

AARP Joins MML and MTA in fight against Cable Franchise Legislation

To: Mayor/President, City Manager, Finance Director & Cable Commission:

The American Association of Retired Persons, (AARP) of Michigan has joined the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Townships Association to help in the fight against the state issued cable franchise legislation being pushed by AT&T and other big phone companies.

By KURT HAUGLIE, Gazette Writer
April 14

OSCEOLA TOWNSHIP — Osceola Township Supervisor Steven Karpiak is concerned that local governments may be about to lose control of cable communication access and franchise fees in their communities if proposed legislation in Lansing becomes law.

The legislation, which is being promoted by telecommunications companies AT&T and Verizon in states around the country, would place the decision about where cable is installed with state government. . .

from: TMC Net

[April 13, 2006]

Swarming Capitol paid off for SBC

(San Antonio Express-News (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Apr. 13--During the 2005 Legislature, the halls of the Texas Capitol were thick with SBC Communications Inc. lobbyists touting the benefits of a bill that would deregulate the phone giant and ease its entry into the video business.

By JAY GOETTING, Register Staff Writer
Saturday, April 15, 2006 1:12 AM PDT

Cable television battles being waged in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento may have a profound effect on Napa TV -- the two cable access channels full of local programming -- and hurt the bottom line of local government.

Two pieces of legislation raise questions about who has the right to award cable and other communications franchises, and who collects the related fees. One would give the state the control, the other would give it to the Federal Communications Commission. Right now, cities award cable franchises.