LANSING – The most contentious issue of the Michigan lame duck season – cable franchising reform – was signed into law on Thursday by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The new legislation does not address Internet neutrality, a major issue raised by Google, which just opened its Midwest headquarters in Ann Arbor.
The compromise HB 6456 , PA 480 increases the public access fees cable companies pay and provides a statewide framework for franchising agreements instead of individual community agreements.
However, the legislation did not address the more argumentative matters of Internet neutrality or local abrogation, which had been the plight of Google primarily and the Michigan Catholic Conference, as well as local government organizations.
In signing the legislation, Granholm said it will increase competition among video service providers and attract technology and infrastructure investment in the state.
However, in putting pen to paper, the governor also said that the Legislature failed to address the critical issue of consumer protection by leaving out the net neutrality matter.
“Strong protections allowing consumers to access internet sites and services without restriction or discrimination by an internet service provider are important. Net neutrality can also be an effective tool in stimulating economic growth and innovation and is an important concern for some of Michigan’s fastest-growing job providers,” she said. “For these reasons, I urge the new 94th Legislature to take a stand against the discriminatory provision of internet services and ensure that consumers are protected by sending me a bill to preserve net neutrality in Michigan.”
AT&T said it will now add 2,000 high-tech, full-time jobs and invest $620 million with the measure being signed into law.
“Governor Granholm has ushered in a new era of technological innovation and investment across our great state. She has also put Michigan consumers in the driver’s seat when it comes to having new choices for video providers,” said AT&T President Gail Torreano.
Linda Teeter, executive director for Michigan Citizen Action, applauded Ms. Granholm for signing the measure, saying, “Today, Governor Granholm built on her record of standing up for Michigan’s working families by signing cable reform legislation that will bring meaningful choice into all of our living rooms and help Michigan customers together save millions of dollars each year.”
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