Ascertainment Period Open for Atlantic Broadband Cable Franchise Agreement

Interim Mayor Oliva Zink read the following during the May 3, 2021 City Council Meeting:

Franklin Residents:

The City of Franklin has received official notice from Atlantic Broadband Company of its intent to renew their cable television franchise.  The current franchise agreement expires on December 31, 2023.

As part of the renewal process, the City of Franklin is soliciting public input to ascertain the cable–related needs and interests of Franklin residents in addition to requesting feedback on the performance of Atlantic Broadband under the existing Franchise Agreement. 

Unfortunately, federal law does not allow a community to review or regulate the following subject matters when considering the renewal of a cable television franchise agreement:  broadcast and channel programming, fees charged for services, internet services or telephone services.  The focus of this renewal process will be on video programming quality, reliability, availability, customer service and local access channels.

Anyone interested may respond in writing to citymgr@franklinnh.org or you can mail a response to the Franklin City Manager, 316 Central Street, Franklin, NH  03235.  The deadline to reply is August 4, 2021.