This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "East Whiteland
Township Cable Communications Regulatory Ordinance."
The Township of East Whiteland finds that the development of cable television
and communication systems has the potential of having great benefit and impact
upon the people of East Whiteland. Because of the complex and rapidly changing
technologies associated with cable television, the Township further finds
that public convenience, safety, and general welfare can best be served by
establishing regulatory powers which should be vested in the Township or such
persons as the Township so designates. It is the intent of this chapter and
subsequent amendments to provide for and specify the means to attain the best
possible public interest and public purpose in these matters, and any franchise
issued pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed to include this finding as
an integral part thereof. Further, it is recognized that cable television
systems have the capacity to provide not only entertainment and information
services to Township residents but can also provide a variety of cable television,
interactive communication services to institutions and individuals. Many of
these services include Township agencies and other institutions by providing
governmental, education, and health care communications. For these purposes,
the following goals underlie the regulations contained herein:
A. Communication services should be provided to the maximum
number of Township residents.
B. The system should be capable of accommodating both the
present and reasonably foreseeable future communications needs of the Township.
C. The system shall be constructed and maintained during
the franchise term so that new components may be integrated to the maximum
extent possible with existing facilities.
D. The communications systems authorized by this chapter
shall be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.
E. The cable system operator shall be dictated to a strong
philosophy of providing quality public, education, and governmental access
to the residents of the Township.