It is a definite goal, course or method of action, set of rules designed to manage and control a system. It dictates our present and future decisions. It influences our lives inside and out.

U.S Telecommunications Policy Map Federal State Municipality Pyramid with three-dimensional structure Policy takes place within municipalities; States and Federal level

Local Federal The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the independent agency of the United States government that develops and implements telecommunications regulations and participates in hearings. The FCC’s rules or regulations may have the power of Federal laws. FCC is the Regulatory Commissions.Federal Communications Commission

Telecommunications policy 40,000 registered state-level lobbyists New York is at or near the top with 20 lobbyists per legislator As of 2005 Massachusetts has a ratio of 3 lobbyists per legislator 43 Legislators turned lobbyists in Massachusetts Massachusetts has 578 registered lobbyists

The Democratic-controlled of the US Congress brings new responsibilities and yet another challenge for the public interest and community media. Congress plays a fundamental role in shaping telecommunications policy from net neutrality, video franchising, to telecom reform... The American Congress enacts laws and creates policies and FCC as an independent government agency interprets and decides how to implement them. Established by the Communications Act of 1934, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the independent agency of the United States government that develops and implements telecommunications regulations and participates in hearings. The FCC’s rules or regulations may have the power of Federal laws.

Congress votes and FCC decides how to implement, which creates a complicated system. We need strong and well-organized net-roots to advocate for the public interest and local competition and fight for policies that will take into consideration the common good. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.

Telecom Reform Legislation H.R Telecom reform is underway in America. Its outcome will profound affect and change our community. Loss of franchise fees from telecom service providers will strain local budgets, forcing local governments to raise taxes, cut services or both. Local governments will lose enforcement authority to make sure that when telecommunication companies dig up your community’s roads and sidewalks they are properly repaired.

Issues: The Big Telecoms don’t want to be held accountable to your local government. The truth is, unfair telecom reform hurts or will hurt our community. New FCC Rules Radically Change Local Cable Franchising Process “Local franchising authorities will be subjected to a 90-day timeframe within which to grant or deny a franchise application submitted by a provider that already has access to public rights-of-way. In the event the provider does not have such authority, the timeframe is extended to 6 months.”

Discussion As political power has shifted from Washington to the states in the last two decades, lobbying patterns have changed. Today an interest group formulates a national strategy and then seeks to implement it not in Washington alone, but piece by piece, state by state. (Sad State By Charles Layton & Jennifer Dorroh) AT&T and Verizon advocated a law that would allow them to seek a single nationwide franchise to offer video services to American households. Local control guarantees taxpayers fair market value for the private use of their public rights-of-way. Local control over the franchising process means that the Big Telecoms have to play by the rules.

Recommendations The urgent need for local voice to the Telecommunications debate This is a crucial time for the future of our Internet, local cable franchising and community media. It is fundamental that we first educate ourselves and then the public, local authorities to challenge and change the regulations that will shape the future of telecommunications policy.

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