Connecticut Attorney General Applauds Court Ruling that IPTV Is Subject to DPUC Regulation

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Laments New Law that Strips Away that Authority

July 26, 2007 -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today applauded a U.S. District Court decision that Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is subject to Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) regulation, while lamenting a new law that strips away the very authority that the court affirmed.

"I am pleased the court ruled that IPTV is subject to DPUC regulation, affirming that IPTV subscribers enjoy the same rights and protections as cable customers," Blumenthal said. "Unfortunately, a new law guts the very safeguards that the court so resoundingly affirmed. These changes snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, denying consumers the opportunity for lower prices, better service and more options.

"IPTV is a new and exciting technology potentially providing real competition to increasingly expensive cable television, but only if service is available to all. Without government regulation and a universal service requirement, IPTV providers will cherry-pick the wealthiest and most accessible consumers, leaving the rest of Connecticut with no choice and higher costs.

"The legislation failed to assure universal access, which this court victory would have provided. The law strips the DPUC of authority to ensure that certain pricing is reasonable and fair. These changes threaten to eliminate existing state consumer protections and reduce the availability of an exciting new technology potentially offering lower prices, more choices and better service. This law short-circuited a major victory for consumers, turning triumph into ashes.

"I will fight in the next legislative session to restore consumer protections and rights so that IPTV can fulfill its potential for price-lowering, service-improving competition for all."

Source: State of Connecticut