TCTA Launches Pre-Emptive Strike vs. AT&T

The Tennessee Cable Telecommunications Association is trying to get out in front of an anticipated franchising-reform proposal by AT&T.

The trade group launched a Web site Wednesday to argue that local franchising ensures full community build-outs, adding that eliminating them creates an unlevel playing field.

The TCTA anticipates that Tennessee will be the next state to entertain a proposal from the telco to eliminate local franchising in favor of a statewide pact for new providers. Bills have been proposed this legislative season, or are ongoing, in states including Massachusetts, Missouri and Colorado.