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Council approves 10-year Comcast franchise, affirms right to pursue municipal broadband
Summary
Portland City Council approved a 10-year franchise agreement with Comcast of Oregon in a second-reading vote. Councilors emphasized that the franchise does not block the city from exploring municipal broadband in the future.
Portland City Council on July 17 approved a 10-year cable franchise agreement allowing Comcast of Oregon continued access to city rights-of-way and operation of a cable system.
The measure was considered on second reading and passed by roll call (recorded in the transcript as 10 yes votes). Discussion was brief. Councilor Green noted the staff presentation explained how the franchise interacts with the city's existing cable franchise framework and stressed that the agreement "does not preclude the city of Portland from pursuing municipal broadband system in the future." Donnie Olivera, a staff member answering technical questions, confirmed that nothing in the document limits the city's ability to explore municipal internet options.
The ordinance grants Comcast a 10-year franchise term to operate within the public right-of-way subject to the terms in the agreement. Councilors who flagged concerns emphasized affordability and access as continuing policy goals and said exploring public options remains possible while the private franchise is in place.
Action taken
- Ordinance (second reading) approving a 10-year franchise agreement with Comcast of Oregon — Approved by roll call (10 yes).
