John Van at the Chicago Tribune writes that the Baby Bells fight with the cable companies over delivering Internet Protocal TV to consumers is moving from Texas to Congress.
Three former Bell companies are upgrading their networks with optical fiber so they can deliver television to consumers. It's a multibillion-dollar undertaking that will stretch out for years. But it will take even longer if SBC, Verizon and BellSouth also must secure video franchises from every city, village and hamlet where they operate.
In a bid to short-circuit that requirement, SBC Communications Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. sought a law in Texas that would grant a statewide franchise. That bid failed when the Texas legislature adjourned over the weekend without passing the law.
"We're looking at the possibility of federal legislation, which could be introduced this summer," said Eric Rabe, a Verizon spokesman.
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