Subject:
Title
Consider adopting an ordinance granting a franchise to provide cable service within the City of Harrisonburg
Body
Presented By: Chris Brown, City Attorney
Recommendation and Review
Shentel Table Television LLC (Shentel) has requested that Council pass an ordinance granting it a franchise to provide cable service within the City of Harrisonburg. This will allow Shentel to offer internet, video, and phone service in the City. Staff has worked with representatives of Shentel in the drafting of a franchise agreement and in resolving certain technical issues, such as installation methods, necessary for service under the franchise agreement if approved by Council. If approved, the ordinance will incorporate by reference the franchise agreement. While the franchise agreement will cover the entire City, the draft franchise agreement includes a map generally highlighting the areas of initial build-out. Shentel has stated it is unable to commit to an entire build-out of its cable system in the City, but it has agreed to make the service “generally available” throughout the City.