Charter to Cut Off Service to First Responders

Charter Communications intends to cut off cable service to police and fire departments in small towns in Missouri, unless they now pay to receive these services.

“Cable service to municipal buildings has been provided free of charge for over thirty years as part of the franchise agreements in exchange for cable companies’ use of the public rights of way,” said John Rocco, President of ACT. “This move by Charter demonstrates the failure of the statewide franchising laws in Missouri and across this country.” Historically, local governments would negotiate with the cable operator for free service to municipal buildings, schools, libraries, police and fire department buildings. The service was considered part of the obligation of cable operators as they built their plant in the public rights of way. However, since Missouri adopted a statewide franchising regime, local governments have lost the power to regulate cable providers.