Comcast presents franchise renewal at Absecon City public hearing; council asks residents to report unserved addresses

Fred Deandri, senior director of government affairs for Comcast of South Jersey LLC, told the Absecon City Council during a statutorily required public hearing that Comcast has filed a municipal franchise renewal application and provided a map of its network to the city. "The hearing is required by state statute and regulations and provides an opportunity for members of the public to present their views on Comcast’s application," Deandri said.

Deandri said Comcast began the renewal process in 2019, filed a formal renewal application with the city in April 2021 and has applied for federal broadband dollars distributed through New Jersey to reach unserved locations. He said New Jersey received over $200 million in those funds and put portions out to bid for cable operators and internet service providers. Deandri asked residents to notify Comcast if they know of addresses that remain unserved by the company’s network.

Council members thanked Comcast for responsive service to city inquiries and said they would forward constituent reports of service gaps. No action was required from the council at the hearing; Deandri said the hearing and public input will be part of drafting the new franchise ordinance that will function as Comcast’s municipal contract if renewed.

Why it matters: Municipal franchise renewals determine the local terms under which cable and certain broadband providers operate in a city’s right of way and can affect service, franchise fees and local oversight. Absecon officials said they will incorporate public feedback into the renewal process and coordinate any necessary petitions to state regulators.