A resolution opposing the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act (COPE) of 2006.

WHEREAS, the United States House of Representatives currently has under its consideration the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act (COPE) of 2006; and

WHEREAS, the COPE Act is an effort to rewrite the laws governing the future of communications and the Internet; and

WHEREAS, the COPE Act would create a national franchise for video service providers, which would abolish the authority of local governments to franchise the use of public rights-of-way for video/cable services; and

WHEREAS, in addition to creating a national franchise for video providers, the COPE Act would strip local governments of their authority to enforce stronger consumer protections, and would give the authority over consumer protection to a federal bureaucratic agency; and

WHEREAS, although the COPE Act could result in some customers receiving more favorable rates, many other customers in rural and lower socioeconomic areas would likely see rate increases; and

WHEREAS, the COPE Act would also allow broadband video service providers to pick and choose which areas of the city they want to serve, while bypassing other areas entirely; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Metropolitan CATV Special Committee have expressed their concerns about the impact the COPE Act would have on the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County for the COPE Act to either fail to receive support in the House of Representatives, or be amended to address the concerns of local governments.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as opposing the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act (COPE) of 2006.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to each member of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Lynn Williams, Ronnie Greer, Sam Coleman