by
<a href="mailto:candiceb@awcnet.org">Candice Bock</a> | Oct 31, 2018
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new <a target="_blank" href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-18-131A1.pdf">rules</a> that would change how franchise fees are calculated.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new rules that would change how franchise fees are calculated. Under the new proposal, in-kind contributions would be considered part of the cable franchise fee and subject to the 5 percent fee cap. In-kind contributions are things like equipment and PEG channels. Additionally, the proposal would prohibit cities from regulating or imposing fees related to non-cable services provided by cable-operators. The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) has developed a good summary of the proposed rules.
The proposal is subject to public comment. Comments are due by November 14. Cities wishing to comment should go to the FCC’s website and reference MB Docket No 05-311.
AWC will be submitting comments expressing concerns with the proposal. We will share a copy of that document in CityVoice.