Cable Television

Cable Services

Cable service is provided by Charter Communication and billed every month. The City entered into its current cable television franchise on June 28, 1988. The initial term of the agreement is 15 years. Additionally, it provides for an “automatic” 5-year extension, assuming the franchisee is generally performing up to the standards of the agreement. Consequently, the agreement is not likely to be up for renewal until the year 2008.

The franchise agreement with Charter Communications is non-exclusive. In other words, nothing in the agreement prevents other cable operators from offering similar services in the area. Charter Communications is the fourth largest operator of cable television systems in the United States, serving approximately 6.2 million customers after completing current acquisitions. They operate in 40 states, and have more than 13,000 employees.

Charter Communications determines the cable channel lineup, and, based on guidelines created by the Federal Communications Commission, sets rates. The City of Duarte does not have control over either rates or channel lineup.

Charter Communication offers a full range of traditional cable television services and is launching digital cable television services, interactive video programming, and high-speed Internet access, and is exploring opportunities in telephony. All of these services will be delivered through the far-reaching digital cable network of Charter Communications.

Charges vary depending on the cable television package selected. For more information on Charter Communications’ cable services you can look at their website at www.charter.com.

Charter Channel Line Up page 1 | page 2
Charter Channel Website
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