A local franchise authority (LFA) is a United States local government organization that, together with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), regulates cable television service within the local government's area. In some cases the LFA is the state, while in others it might be a city, county, or municipality.
Full Answer
What is a franchising authority and what does it do?
A franchising authority is the local municipal, county or other government organization that regulates certain aspects of the cable television industry at the state Cable Television - Where to File Complaints Regarding Cable Service | Federal Communications Commission Jump to navigation
What is a cable franchising authority?
A franchising authority is the local municipal, county or other government organization that regulates certain aspects of the cable television industry at the state or local level. The name of the franchising authority may be on the front or back of your cable bill.
When can a local franchise authority adopt the Commission's customer service rules?
Local franchise authorities may adopt the Commission's Customer Service rules, at any time. The local franchise authority must provide the cable operator 90-days notice prior to enforcing the federal standards and may not adopt more stringent standards without the cable operator's consent.
What do the new video franchising rules mean for LFAs?
The rules will also streamline the local franchising process by making clear that LFAs may not use their video franchising authority to regulate the provision of certain non-cable services offered over cable systems by incumbent cable operators. The same can be said of franchising at the state level.
How do I complain about a local cable operator?
Redressal of Complaints 1800-425-2911(Toll Free) to assist you should the need arise. This service is available from 0800 hours to 2300 hours every day.
Who regulates cable companies in South Carolina?
Under the South Carolina Competitive Cable Services Act (S.C. Code of Laws §58-12-300), the Secretary of State serves as the cable franchising authority.
Who regulates cable companies in CT?
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. Beginning in 2005, the state of Connecticut implemented a statutory framework that transformed the state's cable industry from a monopoly franchise system to a competitive video services market.
Who regulates cable companies in Virginia?
The Department of Cable and Consumer Services (DCCS) will continue to be available to the public by telephone at 703-222-8435, TTY 711, or email at [email protected].
Are cable companies regulated by the FCC?
The Federal Communications Commission and local franchising authorities are responsible for enforcing a variety of cable television regulations.
Does filing a complaint with the FCC do anything?
By filing a consumer complaint with the FCC, you contribute to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts on a national scale and help us identify trends and track the issues that matter most. The FCC does not resolve all individual complaints.
How do I report a cable company to the FCC?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates cable and satellite services to protect consumers. At the FCC Consumer Complaint Center, you can either file a complaint or get information about cable and satellite TV consumer issues. For general questions, call 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322).
Can you sue a cable company for false advertising?
Yes, there are laws that forbid companies from misleading consumers with deceptive product labels or false advertisements. An attorney can help you determine the laws under which you can file a false advertising lawsuit in your state.
How is cable TV regulated?
It may include additional signals chosen by the operator. Basic service is generally regulated by the local franchising authority (the local or state entity empowered by Federal, State, or local law to grant a franchise to a cable company to operate in a given area).
Who regulates cell phone carriers?
Telephone | Federal Communications Commission.
How do I complain about my telephone provider?
Initially you need to contact your service provider's customer services department and explain your problem. If that doesn't resolve the issue, then you can make a formal complaint to the company. You should find details of how to do this on the back of your bill and on their website.
Is there an ombudsman for telephone companies?
Ombudsman Services may be able to help if you have an unresolved complaint about your internet or telephone provider. They handle disputes between consumers and communication companies that are signed up to their scheme.
How is cable TV regulated?
Your state-approved local franchising authority (LFA) – usually a city, county, or other governmental organization – may regulate the rate your provider can charge for "basic" cable service, but only when your provider is not faced with effective competition from another cable service provider.
How is cable television regulated locally and federally?
Cable companies operate under the purview of the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC. This federal agency enforces laws that outline the standards to be followed and regulations to be upheld for all cable, broadcast and other media transmissions throughout the United States.
What is franchise fee?
This is because the definition of “franchise fee” in section 622 (g) (1) centers on why the fee is imposed on a cable operator, i.e., “solely because of [its] status” as a franchisee, and not to whom the fee is imposed, i.e., “solely applicable” to a cable operator.
Which part of the CFR is amended?
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Communications Commission amends part 76 of title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as set forth below:
Where to find FCC 19-80?
The full text is available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20 554. This document will also be available via ECFS at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-19-80A1.docx. Documents will be available electronically in ASCII, Microsoft Word, and/or Adobe Acrobat. The complete text may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, 445 12th Street SW, Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554. Alternative formats are available for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), by sending an email to [email protected] or calling the Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).
Does section 621 D apply to LFAs?
First, the term “State” in section 621 (d) does not extend to LFAs; it is defined by reference to section 3 of the Communications Act. The legislative history makes clear that this was a reference to the division of regulatory authority between the “state public utility commission and . . . the FCC.”.
Can LFAs enforce franchise agreements?
Because LFAs lack authority to regulate information services under section 624 (b) (1), they may not lawfully enforce provision s of a franchise agreement permitting such regulation under section 624 (b) (2), even if such provisions resulted from arms-length negotiations between the cable operator and LFA. [ 81] .
What is franchising authority?
A franchising authority is the local municipal, county or other government organization that regulates certain aspects of the cable television industry at the state or local level. The name of the franchising authority may be on the front or back of your cable bill.
How long does a cable franchise have to give?
The local franchise authority must provide the cable operator 90-days notice prior to enforcing the federal standards and may not adopt more stringent standards without the cable operator's consent. Franchise fees, which are determined and retained by local governments.
How to contact cable company about a complaint?
You should always contact your cable company first when you have a complaint. In many cases, the customer service representatives at your cable company will be able to assist you and solve your problem. The telephone number for your cable company should be on your cable bill. Your cable company has jurisdiction over the following issues: 1 Programming carried on the system . With the exception of rules that require cable systems to carry certain local broadcast stations, cable systems decide which programming services to carry. Therefore, you should contact your cable system if it has dropped a particular channel. 2 Carriage of FM and AM radio stations. 3 Charges for pay-per-view or pay-per-channel programming . The rates charged for this type of programming are not regulated.
What is the FCC number for antenna leakage?
Signal leakage from cable systems, which can result in interference to other users of the spectrum, including aeronautical services. Contact 1-888-225-5322 or send your inquiry to FCC, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20554.
How many subscribers are required to maintain public inspection file?
Finally, cable systems with 1,000 or more subscribers are required to maintain certain documents in a public inspection file.
What is the phone number for the Media Bureau?
For more information pertaining to the Media Bureau, please call: (202) 418-7200.
How to contact the media bureau?
For more information pertaining to the Media Bureau, please call: (202) 418-7200.
