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State Bill Opens Cable TV To Competition

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Jun 30, 2007 2:37 pm US/Central

State Bill Opens Cable TV To Competition

Law Also Requires Prompt Repair, Rate Increase Notices

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) ― A bill signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Saturday opens Illinois' cable TV market to competition.

Under the law, new cable companies will be able to enter the state market without negotiating separate franchise agreements with each city and town.

The law also requires companies to give consumers prompt installation and repair, and written notice on rate increases.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. James Clayborne (D-Belleville) and Rep. James Brosnahan (D-Oak Lawn).

The law clears the way for AT&T and Verizon to compete with Comcast and Insight Communications for consumers' phone, Internet and cable needs.

Many provisions of the law go into effect immediately, with service quality standards for existing cable companies starting on January First.

(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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