posted November 15, 2007
County Mayor Claude Ramsey and county commissioners on Thursday indicated their support for a franchising bill sought by AT&T in the Tennessee Legislature as the firm makes plans to get in the cable TV business.
Mr. Ramsey said, "I support competition." He said concerns he had about the bill, which got bogged down in the Legislature last session, have been cleared up.
Patsy Hazlewood of AT&T said franchise payments will be made directly to the county and other local governments, not through the state.
She said local governments will retain oversight of rights-of-way.
AT&T is seeking a statewide franchise, saying it would be too difficult to deal with each local government.
Ms. Hazlewood said the firm plans to spent between $300 million and $400 million in Tennessee upgrading its fiber-optic.
She said AT&T has not expressed opposition to EPB, which is also making plans to enter the cable TV business.
She said, "We feel that competition makes all of us better."
Ms. Hazlewood said the addition of AT&T to the market would help lower customer prices and improve service.
The County Commission is expected to pass a resolution in support on Wednesday.
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