California Moves Closer to Real Video Choice as State Legislature Sends TV Franchising Reform to Governor

California Moves Closer to Real Video Choice as State Legislature Sends TV Franchising Reform to Governor

True choice for cable television could soon be a reality for Californians, after both houses of the Legislature overwhelmingly approved progressive franchising-reform legislation. Assembly Bill 2987 received a 64-5 vote from the state Assembly Thursday night, following a 33-4 vote in the Senate late Wednesday. The bill now goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his signature by Sept. 30.

“This progressive legislation will be a catalyst for producing more video competition and broadband innovation in California,” said Verizon West Region President Tim McCallion. “The legislation will enable Verizon to offer its new TV service more quickly to more communities by removing outdated barriers that slowed down video competition.”

Verizon has invested hundreds of millions of dollars and hired more than 1,000 new employees to build the state’s largest all-fiber-optic network. The company already offers its FiOS TV service in several Southern California cities. The company plans to accelerate the pace of its fiber network construction once the legislation becomes law, and to deliver the fastest broadband and best video service in many more communities across the state.

The legislation, known as the Digital Infrastructure and Video Choice Act, overhauls the state’s outdated cable-franchising process and paves the way for new competitors such as Verizon to offer consumers a choice in video programming, better technology and increased value in a highly dynamic marketplace.

Read the complete Press Release