A.
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.
The 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.
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.
If the township is a certified 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 the 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.
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.
