Lower Cable Bills On Way?

House Passes Bill Opening More Cable Markets To Competition

(AP)  Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., offered an amendment stating that broadband network providers must not discriminate against or interfere with users' ability to access or offer lawful content. Opponents argued that it would create government regulations controlling the Internet and make it more difficult for service providers to invest in new high-speed technology. It was defeated 269-152.

"Tilting the cost burden onto end users, which would be the inevitable result of neutrality regulations, will only delay much-needed broadband deployment," said Mike McCurry, co-chair of Hands off the Internet, a coalition of telephone, business and small government groups.

The White House said in a statement that it supported the bill and its language on video franchising. But on net neutrality, the administration said the FCC has the power to address potential abuses.

"Creating a new legislative framework for regulation in this area is premature," the statement said.

Democratic opponents also said the measure did too little to ensure that broadband services would be extended to lower income and rural areas.

Markey predicted that telephone companies would open services in wealthy communities, providing competition for services and lower prices but that it would ignore poorer areas that would be stuck with high prices.

Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., a black lawmaker from Chicago's South Side and a co-sponsor of the legislation, disputed that. "I'm from the other side of town," he said. "This is a bill that will make a difference in the lives of the people on the other side of town."

"This bill is about cable rates and what we know today is that cable rates are too high in America," said Rep. Albert Wynn, D-Md., another member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., who heads the telecommunications subcommittee, estimated that people could save $30 to $40 each month if given a choice in video services.