Spotsylvania County: Verizon Franchise Application
Verizon has officially requested negotiations with Spotsylvania County via a certified letter dated 6 July. Spotsylvania County is the first locality, under new law, with which Verizon is requesting a Cable TV franchise. The negotiations begin next week. Under new state cable franchise reform laws that went into effect on 1 July, Verizon will awarded a franchise agreement under state rules if both parties cannot come to terms. As long as Verizon does not withdrawal its application, they will have a Cable TV Franchise in Spotsylvania starting this fall. Here is a link to the text of the cable franchise reform legislation:
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+HB1404ER
On another note regarding Verizon, they have begun offering FiOS broadband service to the Lee's Hill north area. They are now covering all of the Lee's Hill north subdivision, the houses along Mine Rd, Lansdowne Rd, and Artillery Ridge.
It is important to realize the time clock has started ticking, and it is even more important to voice your opinion by attending the August Cable TV & Telecommunications Commission meeting:
Date: 08/10/2006
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event: Cable TV & Telecommunications Commission
Location: Board of Supervisor's Rm, Holbert Building
Web Page:
Cable TV & Telecommunications Commission
Description: An advisory group to the Board of Supervisors to promote and encourage compliance with the franchise agreement among the cable companies operating within the County, reviews and advises the Board on cable, telecommunications and local infrastructure issues, and promotes the use of PEG channels to keep citizens informed.