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Cox Cable Franchise Renewal

Public Comment Invited About Cable-Related Issues in Fairfax County

Cox Communications Northern Virginia holds a nonexclusive franchise from Fairfax County to operate a cable system in the County. The franchise is up for renewal. As part of the renewal process, Fairfax County is undertaking a community needs assessment.

The public is invited to submit comments in two areas:

• Thoughts on future County cable-related needs and interests for the next decade and more
• Experience regarding Cox’s performance and quality of service.
  

County residents may provide comments in any of the following ways:

    1. Email. Submit your comments via e-mail to cablerenewal@fairfaxcounty.gov. Include your name, mailing address, and daytime phone number.

    2. Mail. Send your comments in letter or memo format to: Communications Policy and Regulation Division, Department of Cable and Consumer Services, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 433, Fairfax, VA 22035. Include your name, mailing address, and daytime phone number.

 
    3.Telephone. Call 703-324-5900 (TTY 711). Recorded comments may be left 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Include your name, address, and daytime phone number.

Additional Information and Links

• Cox Cable Franchise Renewal Background Information (see information below)
• Existing franchise agreement between Cox and Fairfax County
• Fairfax County ordinance governing cable television
• http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable/regulation/ordinance/article3.pdf#3-5 (see pp. 7-9, section 9.1-3-6)
• View Public Service Announcement.

Cox Cable Franchise Renewal Background Information

Cox’s cable franchise covers the North County and South County franchise areas (all of Fairfax County except for the Reston area). The franchise, last granted in 1998 for a 15-year period, expires in 2013, and Cox has asked the County to renew the franchise for another term. Federal law relating to cable franchise agreements establishes a renewal process that authorizes the County to consider Cox’s performance over the past fifteen years and how the cable system might better serve the community over the course of a renewed franchise. This information will then be taken into account in negotiating for a renewal agreement.