Massachusetts Officials Oppose Franchise Fees FNPRM

Massachusetts state lawmakers and officials are lobbying against the Further NPRM that would treat cable operators' in-kind contributions required by local franchise authorities as franchise fees subject to a cap (see 1811150027), with a set of similarly worded docket 05-311 filings posted Thursday. The FCC "lacks authority to impair private franchise contracts Section 622 of the Cable Act defines 'franchise fees' " and hasn't the right to redefine, State Rep. William Galvin, D-Avon, said in a typical letter.