Authority sets inflation-adjusted community access support at $11.49 per MVPD subscriber

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority adopted a decision Wednesday adjusting the per-subscriber community access support amount to $11.49 for the next calendar year, reflecting a 3.51% inflation adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index.

Authority staff attorney Victoria Church told the panel the adjustment is required by statute: "no later than June 1 of each year, the authority shall issue a decision adjusting the required community access support amount per subscriber reflecting changes in the CPI," and that the authority may increase or decrease the statutory amount by up to 40% based on certain criteria. The authority calculated the CPI-adjusted amount at $11.49 and said the 40% range around that amount is $6.89 to $16.09; this year the authority did not order any increase beyond the CPI.

The decision directs community access providers and advisory councils to file annual reports and requires multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to fund community access using the subscriber fees set by the authority. The authority also ordered MVPDs to file compliance information related to payment timing and the calculations MVPDs use for multi-dwelling units and issued interrogatories related to annual filing requirements and website content; staff said the authority intends to update the reporting form and website later in the year and provide additional comment opportunities before final issuance.

Action on the decision was moved, seconded and approved by roll call; Commissioners Michael Karen, David Arconti and Chair Marissa Gillette voted yes. The adoption implements the CPI adjustment and reiterates annual reporting and compliance obligations for MVPDs and community access providers.