Local Control Protects
Consumer Rights

Local governments make sure that all areas in the community are serviced equally and that customer complaints are heard and resolved locally.

Local control guarantees taxpayers fair market value for the private use of their public rights-of-way.

Truth is, local control keeps communities connected and strong, now and in the future.

Did you know that nationally taxpayers own over $11 trillion worth of public property in the form of streets and sidewalks?

The Big Telecoms want a free ride to use these public rights-of-way. The only thing that stands in their way is your local government.

• Taxpayers receive fair compensation for the use of their public property.
  
  
• Any damages caused by the Big Telecoms to streets and roadways are properly and timely repaired.
  
  
• Disruptions from duplicative installations are minimized.

Local control gives back to the community.

• Local governments use franchise fee revenues to help fund public services such as police, fire, schools, and community media centers.
  
  
• Local governments make sure residents continue to get access to public, education and government (PEG) channels. PEG channels broadcast community building programming such as adult education courses, government services information, and events like parades and high school sports.

Local control over the franchising process means that the Big Telecoms have to play by the rules. This means:

• Fair compensation for the private use of public rights-of-way.
  
  
• Cable services for all residents, not just to a select few. No “cherry-picking” of customers allowed!
  
  
• Proper repair of streets and roadways that get damaged by the Big Telecoms.
  
  
• Continued availability of Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access channels.
  
  
• Protection of consumer rights