1. Declaration of Purpose: The Board of Selectmen recognize the rapid development of cable television services and technology, as well as the potential of cable television to promote better understanding through improved communication. To promote a broad spectrum of high quality cable television services at reasonable cost, the following regulations are adopted pursuant to the authority granted to the Board of Selectmen by RSA Chapter 53-C and by vote of the July 1974 Special Town Meeting:

2. Title: This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the "Franchising and Regulation of Cable Television Systems Ordinance of the Town of Hanover."

3. Authority: RSA 47:17 and RSA Chapter 53-C.

4. Franchise Required. No person or entity shall construct, commence construction, or operate a cable television system in the Town of Hanover without first entering into a written Franchise Agreement with the Board of Selectmen, following a public hearing on such Franchise Agreement.

5. Authority to Grant Franchises. The Board of Selectmen may grant, renew, amend or rescind for cause franchises for the installation and operation of cable television systems within the geographical limits of the Town in accordance with the provisions of any Franchise Agreement.

6. Fees and Conditions of Franchise Agreement. In conjunction with the rights granted under any Franchise Agreement, the Board of Selectmen may require reasonable fees payable to the Town of Hanover and may impose conditions not inconsistent with applicable Rules and Regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, including, but not limited to, the following: basic service rate regulation; line extension policies; renewals and extensions of the Franchise Agreement; liability of the Franchisee and indemnification of the Town of Hanover; treatment of subscriber complaints; conditions on street occupancy; signal transmission quality; and public hearing and notice requirements.

Adopted October 28, 1981.
jordshan ord18 (cable tv)