Breezeline Bill

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

The Spectrum TV franchise agreement with Moultonboro has an automatic renewal clause in it, meaning it doesn't expire if negotiations don't produce a new agreement. I can't imagine how a town could force out a provider, where this clause was in place. As Cable TV firms are switching to streaming, the concept of a town franchise is becoming increasing quaint.

I have no idea how common an automatic renewal clause is part of a franchise agreement. I do know that LRCTC towns have 10-year terms of their agreements.

As far as forcing a provider out of a town can happen if the cable provider violates the terms of the franchise agreement. That's one of the reasons Breezeline is "in trouble" - they closed their local customer service office in Belmont even though it is required by the franchise agreements. Breezeline has told the towns "Too bad. You'll just have to go to Rochester or Concord. That's close enough." It didn't matter to them that a local office is required by contract.