Subject: Tech in Government Committee Update

Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 17:30:36 -0400

From: "Malhotra, Kunal" <KMalhotra@council.nyc.gov>

Hello,

I wanted to let you know about two events taking place this week.

Tomorrow the New York City Franchise and Review Commission (FCRC) will hold a public hearing regarding Verizon's entrance into the New York City Cable Television market. On April 29, 2008 Deputy Mayor Lieber and Commissioner Cosgrave of the Department of Information and Technologies (DoITT) announced an agreement with Verizon to offer cable service throughout the City of New York. Currently, an overwhelming majority of New York City residents have only a single choice in cable television providers. If approved, the agreement would require Verizon to offer cable service to all residences in New York City, potentially establishing a competitive marketplace in an industry that has been dominated by single providers and a lack of competition since its creation. We encourage you to attend tomorrow's public hearing taking place at NYC College of Technology, 285 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY. The hearing begins at 3:00pm and is anticipated to run until at least 6:00pm. As with all public hearings, feel free to attend and testify regarding your concerns.

Also, on Thursday, May 22, the Department of Information Technologies and Telecommunications will testify before the City Council regarding its FY09 Executive Budget. The hearing will take place from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Thursday in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

If you have any specific questions or points you wish to have raised at either event please contact me.

Thank you,

Kunal Malhotra

Director of Legislation and Budget

Council Member Gale A. Brewer

KMalhotra@council.nyc.gov

Phone: 212-788-6975