Centre Area Cable Consortium (CACC)

ATTENTION Cable Television Subscribers!  The Centre Area Cable Consortium (CACC) has initiated a formal process to renegotiate the cable franchise agreement with the major cable provider, Adelphia.  The franchise agreement is a non-exclusive contract between the municipality and the cable provider that establishes the rules by which the cable company can operate within the municipality and use its rights-of-way.  These negotiations are governed by federal law under the Cable Act (47 U.S.C. 546), as amended. The franchise renewal process is subject to the provisions of the federal Cable Act, 47 U.S.C. § 546(h), which outlines a two ways of arriving at a renewal decision: the informal and formal processes.

This federal law has established the national guidelines local governments must follow.  Under this law, the CACC communities are required to initiate a process in response to Adelphia’s request to have its franchise renewed.  The law gives the cable operator a presumption of renewal subject to positive findings by the CACC based on the following:

·         The cable operator has been in substantial compliance with the terms of the current franchise.

      ·         The quality of the cable operator’s service has been reasonable in light of community need.

·         The cable operator has the financial, legal, and technical ability to provide the services, facilities, and equipment as set forth in a renewal proposal.

·         The cable operator’s renewal proposal is reasonable to meet the future cable‑related community needs and interests of the community, taking into account the cost of meeting such needs and interest.

The burden is on the CACC communities to develop a record to support the above findings.  In doing so, it is important to recognize that it is the CACC communities have the right to identify and determine community needs and benefits.  For this reason, a well planned and executed process can significantly influence beneficial services for the communities during the term of a renewed franchise.

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Presentation from the May 10, 2005 Centre Area Cable Consortium Public Meeting