Comcast pitches cable franchise to Jervis, pledges community outreach and 5% video fee

Comcast officials presented a draft cable franchise to the Jervis City Council on Dec. 4, saying the company hopes to offer cable TV, broadband, mobile service and home security to residents under a franchise agreement similar to those Comcast holds elsewhere in the region. "We're interested in coming to Jervis, obtaining a cable television franchise agreement and, to provide your residents with all of our services," Tim Goodman, senior director of government and regulatory affairs, told the council.

Why it matters: A new franchise could add a commercial provider to Jervis's broadband marketplace, bring a fiber build and retail presence, and produce franchise-fee revenue tied to video services. Council members asked how the new service would affect existing providers and municipal revenues.

What Comcast said: Goodman said franchise fees are governed by federal law and typically amount to 5% of video (cable) gross revenues, paid quarterly. "We pay on the video only as a cable company," Goodman said, citing the existing federal framework for franchise fees. Phil Curtis, Comcast's construction manager, described the company's permitting and resident-communication practices, including on-site inspectors, door-hanger notices and project QR codes to connect residents with project managers. "Before we ever stick a shovel in the ground... we're gonna have signs up letting people know that, hey, we're coming," Curtis said.

Community and affordability commitments: Comcast staff highlighted local retail stores, workforce in the region and community programs. David Arden, manager of external government and community affairs, described past digital‑inclusion work and Comcast's low‑cost Internet Essentials program. Leslie Pfau, senior marketing manager, said Comcast seeks “authentic and genuine partnerships” with community organizations when it enters a city.

Council questions and concerns: Councilors and residents asked whether Comcast's entry would push out smaller providers or simply increase competition. Goodman answered that competition is common in other towns and that incumbents have often remained. Councilors also sought quantification of local revenue impacts; Comcast representatives said the 5% fee applies to video services sold in Jervis and that any city revenue estimates would be reflected in the city's budget once subscription counts and rates are known.

Next steps: Comcast left a draft franchise agreement with city staff and offered to meet with staff and the city attorney to negotiate terms. Council members suggested surveying residents about service options as part of their deliberation.

Ending note: The presentation concluded with no formal council action on Dec. 4; staff and Comcast will continue negotiations and return materials for council review.