Town of McCandless, PA Cable Television Rates and Customer Services

At a minimum, all signals of domestic television broadcast stations provided to any subscriber (except a signal secondarily transmitted by satellite carrier beyond the local service area of such station, regardless of how such signal is ultimately received by the cable operator(s)), any public, educational and governmental programming required by the franchise agreement to be carried on the basic tier, and any additional video programming signals or service added to the basic tier by the cable operator(s).

CABLE ACT OF 1992

The Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act, Pub. L. No. 102-385, 106 Stat. 1460 (1992).

CABLE OPERATOR(S)

All cable television operators who are party to a current franchise agreement with the franchising authority.

CABLE PROGRAMMING SERVICE

Any video programming provided over a cable television system, regardless of service tier, including installation or rental of equipment used for the receipt of such video programming, other than:

(a)

Video programming carried on the basic service tier;

(b)

Video programming offered on a pay-per-channel or pay-per-program basis; or

(c)

A combination of multiple channels of pay-per-channel or pay-per-program video programming offered on a multiplexed or timeshifted basis so long as the combined service:

(1)

Consists of commonly-identified video programming; and

(2)

Is not bundled with any regulated tier of service.

CERTIFICATION

The certification received by the franchising authority from the FCC, empowering the franchising authority to regulate certain cable television rates.

COST-OF-SERVICE RATE APPLICATION

A rate application filed in the manner prescribed and on the forms adopted by the FCC. A cost of service rate application may be submitted by a cable operator(s) in its sole discretion, in support of its current rates or a proposed rate increase.

CURRENT RATES

Those rates in effect for the basic service tier; and for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier, existing on the date when the franchising authority notifies the cable operator(s) that it has received certification.

CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS

Those standards governing customer service which are prescribed by the FCC and may be enforced by the franchising authority.

FCC

The Federal Communications Commission.

FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

The agreement between one or more cable operator(s) and the franchising authority pursuant to which the cable operator(s) was granted a franchise to offer cable television services to subscribers.

FRANCHISING AUTHORITY

The McCandless Town Council.

MAXIMUM PERMITTED RATES

Those rates against which all rate applications shall be measured. The maximum permitted rates shall be determined consistent with the rules adopted by the FCC.

OPINION

An opinion issued by the franchising authority in response to any rate application.

ORDER

An order issued by the franchising authority advising the cable operator(s) and other interested parties of the franchising authority's intent to take additional time to review and approve or disapprove any rate application.

PRESCRIBED RATE

The rate prescribed by the franchising authority for the basic service tier and/or for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier, which may differ from the proposed rate submitted by the cable operator(s) in a rate application.

PROSPECTIVE RATE ADJUSTMENT

A reduction by the franchising authority in the current rates charged by a cable operator(s).

RATE APPLICATION

An application on the form adopted by the FCC to be submitted by the cable operator(s) for approval of its current rates and/or any proposed increase in the rates for the basic service tier and/or for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier.

REFUND

Any refund ordered by the franchising authority of rates charged for the basic service tier and/or the rates for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier pursuant to the terms contained in Section 309.04(d)(2).

SUBSCRIBER

A customer of the cable operator(s) receiving cable television service within the geographic boundaries of the franchising authority.

§ 309.02 Obtaining certification.

[Ord. 1105, passed 9-27-1993]

(a)

The franchising authority is hereby empowered to make application for certification with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate cable television rates for the basic service tier, the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier and to provide notice to the cable operator(s) of its application for certification. Application shall be made in the manner and on the forms adopted by the FCC and notice shall be provided to the cable operator(s) before or on the same day of filing of the application.

(b)

Upon the effective date of certification, the franchising authority shall provide notice to the cable operator(s) of its certification, its intention to regulate rates for the basic service tier, the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier and its intention to enforce customer service standards.

(c)

In the event that the franchising authority shall not obtain certification, or that its certification shall be reconsidered and revoked, the franchising authority is hereby authorized to continue to enforce customer service standards and to take such steps as are necessary to receive certification.

§ 309.03 Regulatory authority.

[Ord. 1105, passed 9-27-1993]

Pursuant to the power and authority granted to the franchising authority under the Cable Act of 1992, its certification by the FCC for regulating rates for the basic service tier, and rates for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier, and other charges which may be regulated by the franchising authority pursuant to the regulations adopted by the FCC under the Cable Act of 1992, the franchising authority shall exercise regulatory power over the rates charged or to be charged to a subscriber for the basic service tier, and for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier applicable to those subscribers of the cable operator(s).

§ 309.04 Rate applications.

[Ord. 1105, passed 9-27-1993]

(a)

Initial procedures.

(1)

The cable operator(s) shall give notice to its subscribers within 90 days (or three billing cycles) of the effective date of the rules adopted by the franchising authority, and all new subscribers at the time of installation, of the availability of the basic service tier.

(2)

Each cable operator shall submit a rate application to the franchising authority for approval of that cable operator's current rates for the basic service tier and for approval of its rates for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier, and for approval of any proposed rate increase.

The rate application for approval of current rates for the basic service tier and the rates for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier shall be filed within 30 days of notice from the franchising authority to the cable operator(s) that the franchising authority has been certified by the FCC and has adopted the regulations required by the FCC for rate regulation.

The rate application for any proposed increase in rates for the basic service tier or for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier shall be filed a minimum of 30 days before the effective date of the proposed increase.

Included in a rate application shall be such information as is set forth in the application form adopted by the FCC.

The cable operator(s) shall submit any relevant information as is permitted by FCC rules, as contained on the application and worksheets adopted by the FCC for rate applications, and which the cable operator(s) would like the franchising authority to consider in evaluating the current rates for the basic service tier and/or for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier, and/or in evaluating any proposed rate increase of those same items.

If the current rates for the basic service tier and/or for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier, or any proposed rate increase exceeds the maximum permitted rates, the cable operator(s) may submit a cost-of-service rate application in conformity with FCC rules. Only the cable operator(s) may decide whether to submit a cost-of-service rate application.

(3)

The cable operator shall give written notice to its subscribers that a rate application has been filed at least 30 days prior to the effective date of any proposed rate increase. Such notice shall provide the name and address of the franchising authority before whom the rate application is pending.

(4)

The cable operator(s) bears the burden of proof that its current rates or any proposed rate increase complies with the statutes of the United States and the regulations of the FCC.

(5)

Within 10 days of receipt of a rate application, the franchising authority shall provide notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the franchising authority, which notice shall contain at a minimum:

The rate application has been received from the cable operator(s);

The manner in which interested parties may review and/or obtain copies of the rate application;

The effective date of the proposed rate increase, if that is the subject of the rate application;

The manner in which interested parties may offer their comments regarding the rate application;

The date all comments shall be received by the franchising authority; and

The date on which the franchising authority shall act on the rate application or the rate application shall have become effective without action.

(6)

Within 30 days of receipt of the rate application the franchising authority shall:

Review the rate application and documentation submitted by the cable operator(s);

Compare the current rates, or the proposed rate increase submitted by the cable operator(s) with the maximum permitted rates or with such other applicable standards as have been adopted and/or approved by the FCC;

Consider any public input on the rate application which may have been provided; and

Approve, disapprove or seek additional time to consider the rate application.

(7)

If the franchising authority shall fail to either approve, disapprove or seek additional time to consider the rate application within such 30 days, the rate application shall be deemed approved on the 30th day after submission.

(b)

Request for additional time.

(1)

Rate application. If the franchising authority is unable to determine from the rate application, including any supporting documentation submitted by the cable operator(s), whether the current rates for the basic service tier and/or for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier and/or the proposed rate increase are within the maximum permitted rates, the franchising authority may, in cases not involving cost-of-service showings, take an additional 90 days to consider the rate application.

The franchising authority shall issue an order and serve the same upon the cable operator(s) indicating that additional time is required to consider the rate application. The order shall be issued prior to the expiration of the 30 days during which the franchising authority may consider the rate application. Within seven days of issuance of such order, the franchising authority shall publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the franchising authority, which notice shall contain a summary of the order, including the additional time requested, and the reason for requesting such additional time.

The cable operator may submit such additional information as it believes will cure any deficiencies in the rate application during the additional time.

The franchising authority may require the cable operator(s) to furnish additional specified information, including proprietary information, when the current rate or proposed rate increase is in excess of the maximum permitted rate. When the current rate is equal to or below the maximum permitted rate, the franchising authority may only require furnishing of documentation that the rate is within the maximum permitted rate. Any proprietary information furnished to the franchising authority shall be retained as confidential in conformity with regulations adopted by the FCC in this regard, a copy of which regulations are on file with and available for review upon request to the franchising authority.

If no decision is issued by the franchising authority at the expiration of the additional time, the current rates or proposed rate increase shall become effective, subject to any later refund order adopted by the franchising authority. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the franchising authority, in order to later order a refund, shall within the text of the order, direct the cable operator(s) to keep an accurate account of all amounts received by reason of the rate in issue and on whose behalf such amounts were paid.

(2)

Cost of service rate application. If the cable operator(s) has submitted a cost-of-service rate application and the franchising authority is unable to determine whether the current rates for the basic service tier and/or for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier and/or the proposed rate increase are within the maximum permitted rates, the franchising authority may take an additional 150 days to consider the cost of service rate application.

The franchising authority shall issue an order and serve the same upon the cable operator(s) indicating that additional time is required to consider the rate application because it is a cost-of-service rate application. The order shall be issued prior to the expiration of the 30 days during which the franchising authority may consider the rate application. Within seven days of issuance of such order, the franchising authority shall publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the franchising authority, which notice shall contain a summary of the order, including the additional time requested, and the reason for requesting such additional time.

(c)

Decision of the franchising authority.

(1)

The franchising authority shall issue a written opinion when:

The rate application is not approved, in whole or in part, by the franchising authority;

The rate application is approved by the franchising authority over the objection(s) of any interested party.

(2)

The franchising authority may, but is not required, to issue a written opinion when the rate application is approved and there have been no objections filed.

(3)

Within seven days of issuance of an opinion, the franchising authority shall provide notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the franchising authority, which notice shall contain at a minimum that:

The franchising authority has reached a decision on the rate application, and announcing that decision;

The manner in which interested parties may review and/or obtain copies of the opinion;

The right of interested parties to take an appeal from the opinion of the franchising authority; and

The deadline for taking any such appeal.

(4)

Notice of the opinion of the franchising authority shall be provided to the cable operator(s) by mail within seven days of issuance.

(d)

Disapproval of the rate application.

(1)

Rate reduction.

Current rates. If the franchising authority shall issue an opinion disapproving the current rates of the cable operator(s) for the basic service tier or for rates for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier, the franchising authority may order a reduction in the current rates for the basic service tier and/or for the equipment and installation necessary to receive the basic service tier. The prospective rate adjustment may be set at:

A level consistent with the FCC adopted maximum permitted rates;

Another rate, based on review of a cost-of-service rate application; or

Another rate consistent with FCC rules.

Proposed rates. If the franchising authority shall issue an opinion disapproving of any proposed rate increase, the franchising authority may:

Prescribe a reasonable rate to be charged by the cable operator(s) instead of the proposed rate. The prescribed rate may not be lower than the maximum permitted rate unless a cost-of-service rate application has been submitted by the cable operator(s) and the franchising authority determines that the cost-of-service analysis justifies a lower rate; or

Advise the cable operator(s) of a rate level to which it would not object if a modified rate application were resubmitted.

(2)

Refunds. The franchising authority may order a refund if:

The cable operator failed to comply with a rate decision by the franchising authority. The refund period may be retroactive to the effective date of the rate order issued by the franchising authority.

The franchising authority determines in its initial review of the current rates that they exceed the maximum permitted rates and are unsupported by a cost-of-service rate application. In such instance the refund period may be retroactive to September 1, 1993 or one year prior to the date on which the cable operator(s) implement(s) the prospective rate adjustment, whichever is shorter.

The franchising authority:

Has issued an order permitting it to take an additional 90 or 150 days to consider a rate application; and

Has directed the cable operator(s) to keep an accurate account of all amounts received by reason of the rate in issue and on whose behalf such amounts were paid; but

Failed to issue an opinion during that time period, causing the rates to become provisionally effective, and the franchising authority later finds all or a portion of the rates to be unreasonable.

In such instance, the refund period may be retroactive to the date of the order and ending on the date on which the cable operator(s) implements the prospective rate reduction, or one year, whichever is shorter.

(3)

Before any refund order shall become effective, the franchising authority shall send notice to the cable operator(s), and provide such cable operator(s) a maximum of 30 days to submit additional information to the franchising authority as to why the refund should not be ordered. At the end of such period, the franchising authority shall either confirm, amend or rescind such refund order.

(4)

Refunds shall include interest computed at applicable rates published by the Internal Revenue Service for tax refunds and additional tax payments.

(5)

If any proposed rate increase has gone into effect due to inaction of the franchising authority or the failure of the franchising authority to issue an order stating a need for additional time, the franchising authority has no right to order a refund.

(6)

Any violation of any order issued hereunder shall be considered a violation of this article.

§ 309.05 Customer service standards.

[Ord. 1105, passed 9-27-1993]

(a)

Within 90 days of receipt by the cable operator(s) of written notice from the franchising authority of the franchising authority's intention to monitor and enforce the customer service standards adopted by the FCC, a copy of which are attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference, the cable operator(s) shall comply with such standards.

(b)

At the next billing cycle after receipt of such notice, as to its existing subscribers, and at the time of installation for new subscribers, the cable operator(s) shall provide its subscribers with notice of its customer service standards, and shall provide such subscribers with the name of the franchising authority or contact person for such franchising authority that the subscriber should contact to report any violation, or alleged violation of such customer service standards.

(c)

The franchising authority, upon- receipt of a complaint of an alleged violation of the customer service standards by the cable operator(s), or upon discovery of a violation on its own accord, shall provide notice of the same to the cable operator(s), who may respond thereto within 10 days of such notice.

(d)

The franchising authority, upon receipt of a complaint of an alleged violation of the customer service standards by the cable operator(s), or upon discovery of a violation on its own accord, shall provide notice of the same to the cable operator(s), who may respond thereto within 10 days of such notice.

(e)

Any failure of the cable operator(s) to cure a violation of the customer service standards within such time as shall be set by the franchising authority, or to timely respond to a notice from the franchising authority regarding a violation, shall be a violation of this article.

§ 309.06 Enforcement.

[Ord. 1105, passed 9-27-1993]

(a)

Cumulative remedies. Where this article provides alternative penalties or remedies, they shall be cumulative and the imposition of one penalty or remedy shall not prevent the franchising authority from invoking any other penalty or remedy provided herein.

(b)

In addition to all other rights and remedies provided herein, the franchising authority shall have all rights and remedies afforded under the franchise agreement.

(c)

Unless otherwise provided, any person convicted of violating any provision of this article, including any order issued or any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder, shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $500 and costs for each offense, and in default of payment thereof may be imprisoned for not more than 90 days. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

§ 309.07 Ratemaking appeals.

[Ord. 1105, passed 9-27-1993]

Appeals of all ratemaking decisions by the franchising authority may be taken to the FCC by the cable operator(s), subscribers or other interested parties.

(a)

Appeals shall be filed within 30 days of the date of public release of the franchising authority's opinion.

(b)

Oppositions to an appeal shall be filed within 15 days after the filing of the appeal and shall be served on the party appealing.

(c)

Replies to oppositions shall be filed within seven days of the filing of an opposition and served on all parties.

§ 309.08 Other matters.

[Ord. 1105, passed 9-27-1993]

(a)

Cable programming service rates.

(1)

The franchising authority is hereby authorized to file complaints with the FCC on behalf of itself and/or any subscriber(s) who files a complaint with the franchising authority for those cable programming service rates solely regulated by the FCC.

(2)

The decision to file a complaint with the FCC by the franchising authority shall be in the sole discretion of the franchising authority.

(3)

Any such complaint filed by the franchising authority shall be in conformity with the rules of the FCC.

(4)

The franchising authority, if it chooses not to file a complaint may, but is not required, to assist a subscriber in filing a complaint.

(5)

No formal review or adjudication by the franchising authority of any such complaint is permitted.

(b)

Information to be included in billing.

(1)

A cable operator(s) shall provide the following information to subscribers on monthly bills:

The name and mailing address of the franchising authority; and

The FCC community unit identifier for the cable system.

(2)

A cable operator(s) shall provide notice to the franchising authority at least 30 days in advance of any change in rates for cable programming service or associated equipment.

§ 309.09 Severance.

[Ord. 1105, passed 9-27-1993]

This article is adopted pursuant to Pennsylvania law and the authority given to the franchising authority under the Cable Act of 1992 and the regulations adopted by the FCC thereunder. If any portion of this article shall become invalid or unenforceable as a result of any subsequent federal legislation, or FCC regulation, such invalidity and/or unenforceability shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remainder of this article, and the same shall be interpreted as if the invalid or unenforceable provision were not a part hereof.

§ 309.10 Effective date.

[Ord. 1105, passed 9-27-1993]

This article shall become effective October 16, 1993.