Declares an intent to establish a goal of promoting competition and consumer choice for cable television service.

Provides that a competitive cable service provider or competitive video service provider seeking to provide cable service or video service in the state of Washington after the effective date of this act shall file an application for authorization with the commission as required by this act.

Requires the commission to issue an authorization permitting a competitive cable service provider or a competitive video service provider to provide cable service or video service in the state of Washington within thirty calendar days after receipt of a completed affidavit submitted by the competitive cable service provider or competitive video service provider and signed by an officer or general partner of the applicant affirming the following: (1) That the applicant agrees to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations;

(2) A written description of the city, town, county, or other municipality of this state to be served, in whole or in part, by the applicant, which written description must be amended by the applicant before the provision of cable service within an area not described in a previous application or amendment filed by the applicant. For purposes of this provision, a map or other graphic representation may supplement, but not substitute for, the written description; and

(3) The location of the principal place of business and the names of the principal executive officers of the applicant.

Provides that, to the extent required by applicable law, any cable or video service authorization granted by this act by the commission constitutes a "franchise" for purposes of 47 U.S.C. Sec. 541(b)(1). To the extent required for purposes of 47 U.S.C. Secs. 521 through 561, only the state of Washington shall constitute the exclusive "franchising authority" for competitive cable service providers and competitive video service providers in the state of Washington.

Declares that neither the commission, nor any other state agency, nor any local government, nor any other political entity of the state of Washington may: (1) Require a competitive cable service provider or competitive video service provider to obtain a separate franchise; or

(2) Otherwise impose any fee or franchise requirement on any competitive cable service provider or competitive video service provider except as provided in this act. For purposes of this provision, a franchise requirement includes, without limitation, any provision that: (a) regulates the rates charged by competitive cable service providers or competitive video service providers; (b) requires competitive cable service providers or competitive video service providers to satisfy any build-out requirements or deploy any facilities or equipment; and (c) requires a franchise to be approved by a vote of the people.