Cable competition: Bring it on

To the editor:

I have been reading with interest the stories in the Southeast Missourian regarding Charter Cable and legislation that would spur competition in the cable industry. It is time for lawmakers to turn their attention to bringing competition to cable, especially with the recent announcement that cable rates are going up again.

A key factor in creating competition in the cable market is the development of public policy that makes it easy for competition to enter the market.

Lawmakers need to remove any barriers that delay or hinder new technology from reaching the consumer quickly. We do not know how high the cable rates will go as Charter struggles to reduce its debt. However, one thing is certain: Competition always leads to better prices and better products for consumers. If another company wants to enter the traditional cable TV market with an exciting, new technology, I say, "Bring it on."

KATHERINE PARRISH, Cape Girardeau