VERIZON PRAISES VA. FRANCHISE BILL

摘要

Verizon likes a video franchise bill passed Mon. by the Va. General Assembly, said Robert Woltz, pres. of Verizon Va. The bill now goes to Gov. Timothy Kaine (D). Woltz said the compromise bill, which would ease telco access to video franchises, will speed Verizon抯 fiber buildout in the state. The bill (SB-706) will let the state grant franchises if an entrant can抰 negotiate one with a local govt. It would require buildout to 65% of a franchise area within 7 years and 80% within 10 years. Verizon said no one got all he wanted from the bill but said it will greatly improve the market climate and stimulate competition.