FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Joseph M. DiBella, Mayor

1-732-938-4500

November 25, 2005

End the Cable TV Monopoly in NJ

Last month the township Council and I unanimously passed a resolution asking the NJ Governor and the State Legislature to alter the outdated and terribly unfair regulations that now control how cable television is distributed in New Jersey. I am proud to report that Howell Township was one of the first communities in Monmouth County to pass such a resolution.

Today, cable television companies are granted “franchise” rights for territories, granting them a virtual monopoly. The present franchise method eliminates competition and is seriously flawed. Without competition, service suffers, prices increase and the customers lose. This is bad for Howell and it’s bad for NJ.

Just imagine if the law granted one department store exclusive rights to an area, or one grocery store chain or one of anything. This is exactly what we have today with cable television - a lack of choices. Demanding that the state update these outdated laws will introduce much needed competition to the process. With competition will come better programming, better prices, choices and far better customer service. In fact the best way to ensure improved service and drive down prices is to have companies competing for your business.

Please write to the Governor and our state legislators and ask that they embrace a much needed overhaul to cable television laws. Tell them to end the monopoly system. It’s what best for Howell and what’s best for NJ.  If I can be of any help to you on this or any issue, please feel free to call or email me anytime. I can be reached at MayorDiBella@twp.howell.nj.us