“AT&T Bill” On Hold

The so-called “AT&T bill” will languish in Senate Committees for another week. Today, the commerce committee deferred action on the proposal–the most lobbied piece of legislation at the Capitol this year. The bill will allow telecommunications companies to get a state-wide franchise, instead of having to go to every local government to work out a deal for each city or county.

Senate Commerce heard presentations from AT&T today saying the bill will allow more competition in the cable TV markets, thereby reducing prices. But opponents, such as cable companies, say it won’t necessarily improve access for consumers if AT&T is allowed to pick and choose which markets it enters.

The cable companies will present to the committee next week.