A.Â
Each franchisee shall state in its proposal to enter
into an agreement for the award of a franchise hereunder its initial monthly
rates, installation charges and all other charges including, but not limited
to, equipment fees, late fees and other administrative charges, if any.
B.Â
Franchisee shall give subscribers at least 30 days' notice
of its intention to change monthly rates, equipment charges and installation
charges by mailing notices thereof to each of the current subscribers to whom
such charges will apply. The franchisee shall give the Township Manager or
his designee 45 days' advance notice of any rate change.
C.Â
The franchisee shall not, as to rates, charges, services
or facilities, make or grant any undue privilege or advantage to any party,
nor subject any party to undue prejudice or disadvantage; provided, that the
franchisee may establish reasonable classifications of customers. Nothing
in this chapter prohibits the reduction or waiver of charges in connection
with temporary promotional campaigns or providing a senior citizen discount,
provided the same waivers are provided to all similarly situated customers.
A.Â
If the Township is a certificated franchising authority
under the Cable Act, it is empowered by the FCC to regulate rates for basic
tier service and customer service and equipment. Where the FCC, state or federal
law permits, no rate or charge may be imposed without prior approval of the
Township. A franchisee is prohibited from requesting or requiring a subscriber
to pay an illegal rate as a condition of providing service.
B.Â
All rates must be reasonable. Where the FCC, state or
federal law permits, the Township may adopt such regulations, procedures and
standards as it deems necessary to implement rate regulation and may regulate
rates by amendment to this chapter, by a separate resolution or ordinance,
by amendment to a franchise agreement or in any other lawful manner.