Legislative Action Center
The 110th Congress is working on a variety of issues relating to network neutrality, cell phone consumer protection, community broadband, PEG programming availability, public safety spectrum, universal service, satellite tax, as well as holding a host of hearings on these and oversight issues. Be sure to visit NATOA’s Legislative Action Center for the latest information on what Congress is up to.
NATOA represents the needs and interests of local governments on cable, telecom, rights of way, public safety and interoperability and related matters. NATOA is actively involved in cases before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Courts, Congress and the states. NATOA seeks to ensure that the voice of local governments is heard, and that our position is understood.
On the Hill
NATOA Leads Over 130 Others in Filing Comments with NTIA & RUS on Broadband Grant Program
» More On The Hill Items
FCC Issues of Interest
NATOA Recommends FCC Coordinate Efforts on Broadband Comparisons
» Continue reading this entry
» More FCC Items
Court Actions
City of Chicago Loses Bid to Collect Revenues from Comcast
The Supreme Court of Illinois has ruled unanimously against the City of Chicago in its efforts to collect revenues related to the franchise fee from Comcast’s cable modem service. The decision, handed down November 20, 2008, relied heavily on the FCC’s 2002 interpretation excluding cable modem service from inclusion in a cable operator’s 5% gross revenues for franchise fee purposes (along with its definition of cable modem service as an interstate information service), along with several Federal district court decisions. The full text of the decision is available here.