TV & VIDEO - June 5, 1990

Let the Cable Battle Begin: Most Americans would welcome cable television competition, according to a Gallup Poll released Monday by one of the telephone companies eager to get into the business. A majority of those surveyed also said they would like to have two-way video services--such as movies on demand, library services and office-in-the-home--that could be provided through a network of high-capacity, fiber-optic telephone lines. “This is a clear indication that the public would favor competition and innovation,” said Kent B. Foster, president of GTE Telephone Operations, which commissioned the study. The poll results were released as congressional committees, beset by constituent complaints of high prices and poor service, consider legislation to re-regulate the cable industry.