The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati turned down a petition by cable operators and municipal officials seeking to overturn new Federal Communications Commission regulations designed to streamline the process by which telcos can apply for and receive video franchises.

 

The new rules set time limits for local authorities to act on applications by new television providers, requiring action within 90 days for applicants who already have easement agreements in place and 180 days for applicants who do not yet have such agreements.

 

The new FCC (News - Alert) rules also bar local officials from imposing requirements on new entrants not required of other companies already awarded franchises.

 

The latest challenge by cable operators is the sort of skirmish that happens all the time in the communications and entertainment businesses.

 

In an unrelated matter, Bright House Networks, Comcast (News - Alert) and Time Warner Cable successfully complained to the FCC about win-back measures taken by Verizon when those operators have won a customer from Verizon.

 

The FCC agreed that Verizon (News - Alert) cannot take some measures to win back a customer who has indicated a desire to switch providers.