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Upper Hanover opens franchise renewal hearing for Comcast; residents press for limits, service guarantees
Summary
Upper Hanover opened a public hearing on renewing Comcast's cable franchise under Section 626 of the Federal Cable Act. Residents asked that the township seek shorter-term agreements, clearer definitions of "free services" to community facilities, and maintenance/response commitments for downed or sagging cables in rural areas.
Chair Steven Rothenberger opened a public hearing at 7:09 p.m. on Oct. 14 to begin Upper Hanover Township's review of Comcast's cable franchise renewal under Section 626 of the Federal Cable Act, inviting residents to comment on Comcast's past performance and the township's future cable-related needs.
The hearing focused on negotiating community benefits commonly sought in renewal terms: upgraded cable infrastructure, stronger customer-service standards, defined "free" services to public facilities, PEG channel options, improved reporting, maximized franchise fees and enforcement mechanisms. Rothenberger read the statutory basis for the proceeding and asked for public input.
Resident Justin Kresge asked whether the proposed agreement would cover only Comcast XFINITY and urged the township to negotiate a shorter term than a typical 10-year franchise to preserve flexibility if better service options emerge. Solicitor Zachary Sivertsen told the board the draft agreement before the township would cover Comcast only and does not, by itself, prevent the township from later entering agreements with other providers.
Supervisor Ben Fiorito pressed for contractual clarity about what the township would accept as "free services" and which buildings qualify as "community facilities," noting the municipal building and road department currently use business-class service because the free basic package was inadequate. Upper Hanover employee Jayme Benfield urged the board to require maintenance and response-time standards after reporting downed or sagging cables along Peevy Road for about ten months, saying his crew "had to mow around them all summer long." Benfield asked for guarantees that Comcast would respond in a reasonable time, particularly in remote areas.
Board members and staff discussed the township’s goals for franchise negotiations, including explicit descriptions of in-kind services, reporting requirements and timelines for repairs. The hearing closed at 7:19 p.m. with no formal vote; the board is beginning negotiations and will share proposed terms and any draft agreement in subsequent public sessions before final action.
