Cable Franchise Information

Important Documents

  • Click here for the Atlantic Broadband Cable Franchise Agreement.
  • Click here for the Comcast Cable Franchise Agreement.
  • Click here to learn about the FCC, the official source of Cable Franchising.

Franchise Renewal & PEG Television

Pursuant to Section 611 of the Communications Act, local franchising authorities may require cable operators to set aside channels for public, educational, or governmental ("PEG") use.

PEG channels are not mandated by federal law, rather they are a right given to the franchising authority, which it may choose to exercise.  The decision whether to require the cable operator to carry PEG channels is up to the local franchising authority.  If the franchise authority does require PEG channels, that requirement will be set out in the franchise agreement between the franchising authority and the cable operator.

Franchising authorities may also require cable operators to set aside channels for educational or governmental use on institutional networks, i.e., channels that are generally available only to institutions such as schools, libraries, or government offices.

Franchising authorities may require cable operators to provide services, facilities, or equipment for the use of PEG channels. (information provided by fcc.gov)

For more information, click here


Additional Resources

  • Click here to watch the Metrocast Franchise Renewal Public Hearing from September 22, 2016.
  • Click here to see the Metrocast (2008) Cable Franchise Agreement.
  • Click here to see the 2019 Xfinity letter Acorn TV rates.
  • Click here to see the 2011 Metrocast letter and back up regarding rates.