N.Y. PSC ruled that setting up citizen advisory committee to revi...
N.Y. PSC ruled that setting up citizen advisory committee to review community needs and interests for issuing franchise for competitive cable provider no longer was necessary because cable service now was available to more than 95% of state’s population.…
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PSC rules requiring advisory committee, preparation of final report by committee and adoption of specific request for proposals by town board for competitive cable franchise were adopted when only small minority of municipalities were served by cable companies, agency said. Saying general policy of FCC and PSC was to facilitate competition in delivery of multichannel video programming, PSC said timing of decision to enter market “may be a critical factor in whether competition will exist at all and, if so, whether a competitor will survive.” Rules that result in “extensive review” and “protracted period of time” for completion of franchising process may deter competitive entry rather and promote it. Granting waiver of rules sought by Town of Goshen, PSC said requirement of public notice of hearing at which competitive franchise might be considered would ensure public participation in any final decision by town board.