A BILL To promote the deployment of broadband networks and services.
- The full text of this bill, as reported in the Senate as the “Advanced Telecommunications and Opportunities Reform Act” or the “Communications Act of 2006” is available here (PDF) (8/4/2006).
- The full text of this bill, as reported in the House as the “Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement (COPE) Act of 2006” is available here (PDF) (5/17/2006).
Summary
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow an eligible person or group to obtain a national franchise to provide cable service in a franchise area in lieu of any other authority under federal, state, or local law. Requires: (1) the filing of a franchise certification with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); and (2) cable operators with a national franchise to provide a specified minimum of channel capacity for public, educational, and governmental use, and to meet certain other requirements. Provides for FCC enforcement of franchising requirements.
Requires an annual FCC report on the deployment of cable service, including deployment by new cable operators.
Empowers the FCC to enforce its broadband policy statement and principles. Requires an FCC study regarding whether such statement and principles are being achieved.
Requires each VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) service provider to ensure that 911 and E-911 services are provided to subscribers of VOIP services. Outlines rights and obligations of VOIP service providers.
Allows the municipal provision of cable services, requiring competition neutrality among all providers in an area.
Prohibits a broadband service provider from requiring a subscriber, as a condition for such service, to purchase any cable, telecommunications, or VOIP service offered by the provider.
Directs the FCC to further the development of seamless mobility, requiring a study identifying barriers to achieving seamless mobility.
