In a previous post, I indicated how AT&T has been collecting PEG fees from its customers while not providing PEG channels. It turns out my complaint was pointed at the wrong entity.
After filing a complaint with the MPSC (Michigan Public Service Commision) and speaking with folks at the Michigan Attorney General’s office, it became evident that AT&T was acting in accordance with the law.
In 2007, Public Act PA 480 of 2006 (also known as 
The Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act) was signed into law. The act (among other things) requires video service providers to collect PEG fees on behalf of municipalities and turn 100% of those fees over to them. In many cities, this has added up to tens of thousands of dollars.
So, what we got was a great law… with some unintended negative consequences. It seems that our legislators forgot one important point. While the act requires video providers to transmit PEG signals to it’s customers, it does not require municipalities to pass the PEG signal to the video providers… OOPS!
It’s been 2+ years since the act passed, and AT&T Uverse customer continue to get taxed for services not rendered.
It’s worth noting that the oft-maligned city of Detroit has found a way to get this done for their residents.
Next step… work to get the law amended.