Things could get ugly as both the telephone and cable industries launch advertising campaigns on video franchising rules.

As the two sides gear up for a Congressional battle over whether the federal government should pre-empt local franchise rules with a national approach to video franchises, the ad campaigns target public opinion.

USTelecom’s ads promote a feel-good approach, telling consumers that telecom companies are ready to bring advanced TV services to their doors, “as soon as Congress updates our telecom laws.”

“TV Freedom – now that’s the future, faster,” the ad voiceover states.

The cable industry is taking a harder line, however, in commercials that accuse AT&T and Verizon of lying and creating phony consumer organizations to promote their cause.

“Why do they really want to change the law?” one cable industry ad voiceover asks. “To raise your phone rates and be able to pick and choose what neighborhoods to serve.”

The cable industry ads are set to debut in Indiana today.