Brooklyn's Progress
October/November 2006

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Kenneth Adams testified before the New York City Council’s Zoning and Franchise Sub-Committee on a bill that would create a new cable franchise law. The following is the testimony presented on Sept. 7, 2006. The bill, which has since been approved by the full City Council, clears the way for the Bloomberg Administration to negotiate with Verizon Communications. If there is an agreement, it will be the first time since the original franchise agreement that New York City residents will have three companies competing among themselves to provide cable services. 

Good morning.  I am Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.  The Brooklyn Chamber is the leading business assistance and economic development organization in Brooklyn; we are pleased to have the opportunity to comment on the resolution being considered by the Sub-Committee today.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce fully supports the resolution authorizing franchises for cable television services pursuant to Section 363 of the New York City Charter proposed by the mayor and submitted to the Council.  We further urge the Council to adopt its corresponding resolution, introduced by Council Members Katz and Avella, which would enable the authorization of these franchises.

We understand that for the purposes of this resolution, “cable television services” shall mean “cable service” as defined by the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984.  This distinction is important because it recognizes advances in telecommunications technology that enable the transmission over fiber optic cable infrastructure of voice, data and high-speed Internet and cable television services. 

As you know, existing cable television providers have begun to introduce this expanded blend of services in certain locations around the city.  It is time to increase the availability of these vital services citywide and allow new providers to compete to deliver them in the most cost-effective way to local consumers.

We feel strongly that it is time to increase the availability of and lower the prices for such services across New York City.  We support, for example, the efforts of Verizon to introduce its FIOS TV initiative in Brooklyn and throughout New York City.  This resolution would encourage competition among providers to provide these enhanced services and thus it is certainly in the interests of consumers – both business and residents.

We urge the Sub-Committee to adopt this resolution.  Thank you for your time and consideration.