Technology Services
Comcast Cable Renewal Process
About the Comcast Cable Franchise Renewal Process
Once every 10-15 years, local governments have the opportunity to examine past services provided by cable/video service providers and renegotiate franchise agreements. Given the enormous changes in technology and media over the past 15 years, the process of granting a new franchise to Comcast deserves serious consideration and public input.
The cable franchise renewal process examines the past performance of Comcast – as well as future services that citizens, schools, community groups, businesses and local government would like to include in a new cable franchise agreement.
The current franchise agreement with Comcast has been in place 15 years is set to expire in June 2013. Comcast has approximately 53,000 subscribers in Arlington.
The Buske Group, a nationally recognized public policy consulting firm, was hired to help the County with the cable franchise process.
The Future of Media and Technology is About...
- Building community through television, media and technology
- Access to media service for everyone regardless of economic situation
- Updated and improved media and video production facilities for use by schools, youth, community and neighborhood groups … by you!
- Classes for youth and adults in using media and TV production tools
- Distance learning and telecommunications
- Opportunities for live broadcast capability from locations around the County
- New ways of creating, using and distributing media for our educational community
- Local TV by, for and about the people of Arlington: whatever the issue, whatever the celebration, and whatever the need!
Watch a short video about the cable franchise renewal process.
Public Meeting
On Sept. 13, a public meeting was held in the County Board Room as part of the renewal process. Attendees could share their own comments on aspects of a new cable franchise agreement.
Focus Groups & Survey
As part of the renewal process and information-gathering from the community, focus groups were held at seven locations around the County from June 16 to June 23. Attendees learned about the cable franchise renewal process -- and shared ideas for how schools, community organizations, local businesses and governments throughout the country could using modern media technology to communicate, educate and disseminate information in this digital age. Surveys also were conducted in June and July to gather input from the community (online and via phone).
CONTACT US
Cable Administration Office
2100 Clarendon Blvd. #610
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-3242
Rob Billingsley, Cable Administrator