The Troubles in Cable Franchising Warrant Giving Customers an Out

Cable companies are notorious for making promises to win particular franchises and then not fulfilling their contractual obligations (“Market Competition Will Keep Rates Down for Consumers,” Commentary by Mark P. Petracca, April 25).

The exclusivity of their agreements with the city encourages the cable companies to increase the rates due to the lack of city intervention once the franchises are procured. Even though the franchise agreements expire, only a small minority of cities exercise the option to change cable companies.

If city officials turn a deaf ear to customers’ concerns, those same customers may exercise their rights at the next election. Of course, those newly elected officials can make the same promises posed by the cable companies and not follow through once elected, but that’s an entirely different matter.

KIMBERLEE BRESSLER

Huntington Beach