Bankruptcy

AT&T-Comcast Merger: Transfer Toolkit 2002

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Recapturing Telecommunications Facilities Abandoned in the Public Rights-of-Way

October 2001 Street Law

Tower Toolkit 2002

Franchise Fees

March 2001 Local Governments and 9-1-1

February 2001 The Legal Thicket of Cable Overbuilds

The Feature Article, Municipalities and Communications Networks, which was originally posted in May 2000 has been updated and now appears as the October 2001 Street Law

March 2000 Open Access

August 1999 Cable Franchise Renewals

June 1999 Cable Rate Regulation

April 1999 Right-of-Way in the Courts

February 1999 OVS Decision

December 1998 TCI - AT&T Transfer

October 1998 State Right-of-Way Legislation

August 1998 ECI Decision

May 1998 Cable Franchise Transfers

Franchise Fees (Baltimore Decision)

December 1997 BOMA

Universal Service Decision

Overview

For the first time, local officials in densely populated cities and counties are receiving applications seeking franchises or licenses to build independent cable television networks that will compete head-to-head with, or "overbuild" incumbent cable operators. This feature article will examine five important overbuild questions facing local governments.

1. Who Are The Overbuilders? Can Localities Franchise Them?
   
   
2. Should the Franchise be Obtained Before Construction Begins? Or Before the Operator Begins to Provide Service?
   
   
3. How Does a Company Apply for a Franchise? How Does A Community Decide Whether the Franchise Should be Granted?
   
   
4. What Key Franchise Issues Arise and How are Public Obligations Balanced?
   
   
5. In a Competitive Environment, How Do I Protect the City and Its Citizens from Harm?