Missouri needs cable-TV choices

To the editor:

The issue of opening up the cable-TV market to fair competition has been getting a lot of attention lately. I think it is important for people to put this debate into proper perspective. The focus should not be on the cable companies or AT&T. The focus should be on the consumer.

As consumers, we know that when we have more choices that products, services and prices get better. Why shouldn't the benefits of competition apply to the cable industry?

Missouri has a great opportunity to be a leader in bring in new technology and more choice in video services. The legislature needs to adopt a competitive video policy that will encourage investment in our state and give consumers something that we've been waiting a long time for: more choices in cable-TV.

What are we waiting for?

LLOYD W. SIMMONS, Cape Girardeau