MN HF2852

Municipalities must require a franchise or extension permit from any cable communications system providing service within the municipality.

Municipalities cannot grant additional cable franchises for areas already covered by existing franchises unless the terms are more favorable or less burdensome regarding: (1) area served, (2) public/educational/governmental access requirements, or (3) franchise fees.

Exception applies when the area is not actually being served by any existing cable communications system holding a franchise for that area.

An area for an additional cable franchise is not considered more favorable or less burdensome if the franchisee is a telephone company operating within its local exchange service territory.

Telephone company exception does not limit a municipality's authority to grant additional cable franchises under other circumstances.