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Broadband committee recommends updates to Comcast franchise; council advances ordinance to second reading
Summary
The broadband committee reported that Comcast largely complied with its franchise obligations but recommended removing obsolete items, updating service commitments to public buildings and adding a local equipment drop-off to help residents without car access return equipment.
Council advanced an ordinance to renew the municipal franchise agreement with Comcast after the Broadband, Cable & Television Advisory Committee presented an ascertainment report and recommended updates to the contract.
Stephanie Brandt, committee chair (via Zoom), said the committee conducted hearings with schools, first responders and the library and reviewed complaints and BPU records. The committee concluded that Comcast had "complied for the most part" but that some obligations were obsolete due to technological change. To reflect current service needs, the proposed ordinance removes a never-built requirement to link the justice complex and city hall while adding obligations for basic internet service and updated modems at public buildings, including the library.
A community-driven change adopted into the draft ordinance asks Comcast to provide a local option for returning equipment, either via a dropbox or an arrangement with a local business, because the nearest physical return location is outside the municipality and some residents lack cars. Brandt said that recommendation arose from public comments and accessibility concerns.
Council members noted the franchise’s automatic-renewal mechanics and that no alternate wired provider had established service in town; wireless alternatives (5G) exist but were not treated as functionally equivalent in the franchise review. The council approved moving the ordinance to second reading and set it for a future public hearing.
