Comcast Cable TV Franchise Agreement

Project overview

Under state and federal law, the City is authorized to grant a franchise for the construction, operation, and maintenance of cable television systems within the boundaries of the City. 

A cable television franchise agreement is a legal agreement between the City and Comcast that is required by state and federal law. The agreement allows Comcast access to the City’s rights of way to deliver its services, and the franchise addresses other issues such as access to public educational and governmental access channels, non-discriminatory rates for customers, permitting, notice requirements before digging in the right of way, and payment of applicable costs and fees. 

In June 2016, the City granted Comcast a franchise for its cable television system located within the City. The 2016 franchise agreement is set to expire in June 2021. The City has begun negotiations with Comcast to renew the franchise for a new term. 

Important dates & public participation

• July 28, 2020: Presentation to City Council (overview of process)
• July 30 to Sept. 30, 2020: A community web survey opened July 30 and closed Sept. 30. Read the results here. 
• Dec. 14, 2020: Zoom meeting; 6 p.m.
• Q1/Q2 2021: City Council consideration of proposed franchise

Resources

• Ordinance No. 2016-10 (current franchise agreement – expires June 2021)
• Comcast survey results