Cable Choice Now Announces Formation
-Group to Advocate for Cable Competition-
-Group to Advocate for Cable Competition-
RICHMOND VA- An organization to promote competition between cable providers formally announced its formation today. The group also introduced its Co-chairs: Jeff Merriman, representing Verizon; Graham McInnes, representing Cavalier Telephone; and Jim Riffenburg, an activist on the issue, representing the interests of the Virginia consumers.
The group is comprised of over 1200 citizen members and plans to actively seek a change to Virginia cable law that would encourage cable competition.
"The formation of this coalition will provide consumers with a voice to tell legislators what they have been telling us: that they want the freedom to choose from whom they get their television service," said Graham McInnes, Co-chair and Cavalier Telephone Marketing Manager.
"As a consumer I have been very dissatisfied with my local cable service: service is unreliable, picture quality is unacceptable, technological advances like HDTV are slow in coming, and the service is overpriced. Like in most localities in Virginia, I am served by only one cable provider. Simply stated, if you live in an Adelphia neighborhood you subscribe to Adelphia cable service; if you live in a Cox neighborhood you subscribe to Cox cable service. What we need are more cable choices...now!" said Jim Riffenburg, Co-chair and activist.
"Despite changes to the federal cable franchise law in 1992, Virginians still have not received the benefit of head-to-head video competition. By comparison, competition in telephone has progressed significantly with many consumers having multiple providers from which to choose. This coalition has been formed to inform citizens and consumers about the barriers that are preventing them from having a choice and to encourage them to help tear those barriers down," said Jeff Merriman, Co-chair and Verizon Manager, Economic Development & Government Affairs.
In the 2005 Session of the Virginia General Assembly legislation was considered that would encourage cable video competition in Virginia. The legislation is being studied by a joint subcommittee and similar legislation is expected to be introduced again this year. Cable Choice Now will be actively recruiting members, educating the public and advocating for legislation to encourage cable competition. The organization has a website www.cablechoicenow.org where consumers can sign-up to join the effort, learn more about the issue and correspond directly with their elected officials.
