The Baller Herbst Law Group

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.

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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

Rep. Baldwin Introduces the CAP Act in Effort to Protect PEG Channels

October 8, 2009 1:34 PM

Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced today the Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act of 2009 (H.R. 3745).  The CAP Act addresses some of the most crucial issues currently facing public, educational, and government (PEG) channels.  NATOA, along with the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), has been a strong supporter of Rep. Baldwin in her actions fighting to protect PEG channels. 

Click here for the Press Release from Rep. Baldwin’s Office.  Click here for the full text of the CAP Act.

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FCC Issues of Interest

USCM National Broadband Plan Letter

January 28, 2010 3:50 PM
USCM National Broadband Plan Letter


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Court Actions

City of Chicago Loses Bid to Collect Revenues from Comcast

November 21, 2008 8:37 AM

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.


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Policy Matters

NATOA Leads Over 130 Others in Filing Comments with NTIA & RUS on Broadband Grant Program

April 23, 2009 2:10 PM
NATOA lead 130 communities and organizations in filing comprehensive comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Request for Information on how to implement the broadband grant program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  » Continue reading this entry

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