Maryland Mediation Lawyers

Judge Assigns Mediator In Cable Television Case

A federal judge today ruled against Verizon, denying its request to strike down portions of Montgomery County's cable television law and instead assigned a mediator to work with the two sides in an attempt to resolve a legal matter that threatens to strip County residents of consumer safeguards currently in place. The judge also instructed Verizon to file an application with the County to provide cable television services, something the company had resisted doing because they sought to enter the market without complying with Montgomery's strong consumer protection measures and gain preferential treatment at the expense of cable customers. 
   
 “This is an important victory for consumers in Montgomery County,” said Bruce Romer, Chief Administrative Officer. “The judge has sided with the residents of Montgomery County and denied Verizon’s attempt to enter the market by striking down our consumer safeguards.”

Verizon filed a motion for preliminary injunction on June 29, asking the court to invalidate parts of the County's cable law in order to avoid complying with Montgomery's tough consumer protection requirements. Although the company has taken the time and expense to file a lawsuit, they have failed to file an application for a franchise to offer cable television services in Montgomery County.

Ruling from the bench, Judge Marvin Garbis today denied Verizon’s motion for preliminary injunction and instructed the company to file a cable franchise application with the County. The judge assigned a magistrate to serve as a mediator to see if the two sides can resolve their differences over the County's legal authority to protect consumers. The judge retained control of the lawsuit in the event the parties are unable to work out their differences. Mediation could begin as soon as this week.

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