The California Public Utilities Commission yesterday unanimously approved rules for the state's new video-franchising process. The new rules, mandated by the California Digital Infrastructure and Cable Competition Act of 2006, streamline the video-franchise process and open the cable TV market to new competitors.

The new legislation will allow operators such as AT&T and Verizon to seek one video franchise to operate in multiple regions for their IPTV service.

"Consumers will reap the benefits of increased competition in the video market, said PUC president Michael R. Peevey. "I expect we will see greater diversity in video pricing, service options, and programming."

Verizon intends to file its first state-issued video franchise application under California's new, pro-consumer video franchise law as soon as possible. When the franchise is approved, Verizon will offer FiOS television service to tens of thousands of additional Southern California households beyond the thousands who can subscribe today.