County tables Spectrum franchise agreement request

SIDNEY -- The Cheyenne County Commissioners Monday tabled a franchise agreement request by Spectrum.
Dayton Murty, representing Charter Communications, and Cheyenne County Attorney Amber Horn, took part in the meeting remotely.
Charter Communications purchased Cox Communications in May of this year. Charter purchased the company for almost $22 billion, including cash, convertible shares and common stock.
Murty said the franchise agreement is to cover a couple of locations. The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 prohibits a cable operator from providing service without a franchise agreement.
"The franchise agreement is our right-of-way authorization. Because we are a cable company, we have to use a cable franchise agreement for that right-of-way authorization. The agreement governs the provisions of cable service," Murty said.
He said Spectrum has a franchise agreement with the City of Sidney.
Commissioner Randy Miller asked about Spectrum's abandonment procedure.
"In regards to abandonment, you have the right to abandon lines. What's going to happen if that does happen? Where does the liability come into play?" Miller asked.
Murty said they have a hybrid system, both aerial and underground lines. Miller said the concern is what would happen to the overhead lines should abandonment occur.
He said the proposed expansion would impact the Dalton community.
The Franchise Agreement request was tabled until the next meeting for Charter Communications to address above-ground utilities and the possibility of abandonment in the agreement.